News : Auxiliary members, Gold Star families continue to serve country

Auxiliary members march in the Memorial Day Parade, en route to the river for the Naval tribute.

Carrying the flags and the anchor-shaped wreath, Auxiliary members walk in Memorial Day Parade.

Elizabeth McIntyre sits near the wreath she placed in honor of her brother, who died in WWII.

Gold Star family members lost a soldier in war; Elizabeth McIntyre represented them Monday.

There are many groups of Americans who, although they did not go to war, have significantly sacrificed for their country in times of war and peace, and continue to serve America in a variety of ways.

Auxiliary groups such as those serving in the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS and other organizations are made up of the mothers, wives, daughters or sisters of veterans. These women suffered the pains of war, waiting and worrying about their soldiers, and helping them to readjust to life as civilians. Now, they continue to promote patriotism while also taking care of the needs of ill and injured veterans.

Here in Vinton, the George. G. Luckey Post 57 Auxiliary does all of those things throughout the year. The ladies are busy with a variety of activities, including participating in public events such as Memorial Day celebrations. On Monday, the Legion Auxiliary members walked together, carrying the flags and the anchor-shaped wreath to the river for the Navy memorial service.

Gold Star families -- those who lost a soldier in the war -- also continue to help remind Americans of the sacrifice made by their loved ones and many others. During Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Park, Elizabeth McIntyre placed a wreath on a white cross in honor of her brother, who died serving the U.S.in World War II. There are several Gold Star families living in Vinton, a reminder of the cost of freedom.