NORFOLK, Va. — Gold Star mothers and families suffer a loss too terrible for most people to imagine.
Nothing can erase the pain they endure, dealing with the death of their military member loved one.
On the last Sunday in September, Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day honors the mothers, fathers, and families of fallen military service members, a tradition that dates back to 1936.
Maggie Sticklen of Virginia Beach knows all about the day all too well.
"To many of us, Memorial Day is every day to the families of the fallen," she said.
Her son, Corporal Josh Sticklen died December 3, 2006, when his CH-46 helicopter crashed in Al-Anbar province, Iraq, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Josh was 24 years old.
It's a club Maggie wishes she was not a member of.
"Not one that I ever thought I would be, not one that I ever wanted to a part. I am very blessed by all the people I've met, but definitely, if I could choose to not be a member of this club, I'd go back any day," she said in an interview with 13News Now.
But for Maggie, who shared the same birthday with Josh, it does give her a chance to talk about her beloved son.
"He was an amazing young man. He was an amazing young man in his military career. He did a lot of really good things. I'm very proud of that young man," she said.
This Sunday, Arlington National Cemetery will honor Gold Star mothers and families, with a wreath-laying and commemoration service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.