MORGAN HILL, Calif. - U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey leaders joined Gold Star families Sept. 27 at One Step Closer Therapeutic Horsemanship in Morgan Hill to observe Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day.

The Gold Star tradition dates to World War I, when families displayed service flags with blue stars for loved ones serving in the military and gold stars for those who died. Congress established Gold Star Mother's Day in 1936, and the observance, held annually on the last Sunday in September, has expanded to recognize all Gold Star families.

The day balanced remembrance with an opportunity for families to spend time together. Sgt. Brian Bills, with the Presidio of Monterey Religious Support Office, offered an invocation before reading the names of fallen service members represented by families in attendance. When the formal list was complete, attendees were invited to add other names they wanted remembered.

Following the ceremony, families shared lunch, visited with one another and remembered their loved ones with both tears and smiles.

For Gold Star mother Kathy Buob, gatherings like this remain meaningful more than a decade after the death of her son, Zacharias Edward Buob, a chief special warfare boat operator who died May 28, 2015, at age 39, after 20 years of Navy service.

"Being able to remember my son with others who have experienced the loss of a child doesn't happen every day," Buob said. Buob has remained active in the Gold Star community, attending events and volunteering to support other surviving families, including as a peer mentor to others experiencing traumatic loss. "I want to be able to give back, in honor of my son," she said.

Volunteer Paula Rhodes said supporting surviving families is one way she can honor the sacrifices of fallen service members. "They signed up for something and gave their lives for us," Rhodes said. "I do this for them."

Col. Bridget E. Dalziel, U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey commander, told the families that the Army's relationship with them does not end with the loss of their service member.

"In the Army, we say that we're Soldiers for life," Dalziel said. "I'd also like to think that you're all our family for life." Dalziel encouraged those gathered not only to remember their loved ones' sacrifices, but to celebrate their lives. "We are here today to honor your sacrifice, to let you know that what makes this country unique is that people who give all in service to our nation are never forgotten," she said.

The Presidio of Monterey's Survivor Outreach Services program, part of Army Community Service and coordinated locally by Nate Pleasantbey, provides surviving families long-term support and serves as a continuing link between them and the Army, including assistance with benefits, financial resources, referrals and other individualized support.