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TROY - The American flags are displayed with pride the white sacks with candles and the Gold Star logo.
Carol Johnson came from Howell. She lost her beloved son, Army Staff Sgt. Gregory McCoy who was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near him in Baghdad, Iraq in November, 2006.
Carol Johnson attended this event to honor her son alongside families who are experiencing similar pain.
At the Freedom Center and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4307 on E. Maple in Troy it's the Gold Star Luminary candlelight vigil. A Gold Star family designates the ultimate sacrifice, a family who lost a military service member to a line of duty death while serving our country.
Debbie Otte of Warren lost her teeange son defending our freedom.
Debbie Otte said the pain is immeasurable, but the support of the other Gold Star families helps in so many ways.
The Gold Star families are joined by Blue Star - those with a family member serving in the military; Silver Star - a loved one serving in combat; and White Star, a veteran who died of suicide either while serving or post service.