“Honoring Our Own” is a phrase that refers to showing respect, gratitude, and support for those who are part of a specific community. In respect to Gold Star Awareness Month, it specifically refers to honoring the lives of the service members who died while on active duty, as well as acknowledging the sacrifices of their families.
The surviving family members of these service members carry an immeasurable weight. The emotional and personal toll of losing a loved one in service is carried long after the flags are folded.
It's essential that there are support systems in place for surviving families to lean on, some to provide support on benefits/entitlements, help them remain connected to the military, and most importantly, honor their beloved Marine.
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP) is a permanent resource for the next of kin, ensuring they receive sustained, quality assistance from the Marine Corps.
LTAP was established to provide outreach and assistance to Marine families in need of support with residual issues generally associated with the receipt of death benefits and entitlements. The program continues to evolve to facilitate the family’s lifelong connectedness with the Marine Corps and other surviving family members, should they desire to participate.
LTAP aims to meet the surviving family members where they are in their grief journey. LTAP hopes to continue to connect with the surviving USMC family members through yearly remembrance outreach, events using local resources/groups, and seminars and ceremonies that support military surviving families.
Gold Star Awareness Month is a time to stop and remember the cost of freedom, and to honor the unwavering commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families who continue to carry on their legacy.
To our surviving family members, your resilience and strength in the case of such a profound loss is truly inspiring. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to USMC LTAP by calling 866-210-3421, option 2, or email smb_LTAP@usmc.mil.