Placer County declares Sept. 28 Gold Star Families Remembrance Day, board hears family testimony

The Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proclamation declaring Sept. 28, 2025, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Day in Placer County and heard testimony from the county Veterans Service Officer and a written statement from a local Gold Star mother.

Chair Gore read the proclamation reciting the history and purpose of Gold Star Families observances. Steve Johnson, Placer County Veteran Service Officer and a retired Air Force veteran, thanked the board for the county's veteran‑focused proclamations and shared personal remarks about family members who died in service. "If there are any gold star families or any veterans at all who need assistance with military or veteran benefits, please contact our Placer County Veterans Service office. We stand ready to serve," Johnson said.

Nut graf: The proclamation recognizes Gold Star families—relatives of service members who died in the line of duty—urges residents to honor their sacrifices and directs county recognition of remembrance activities on and around Sept. 28.

Johnson read a statement from Karen Meredith, a Gold Star mother in Lincoln and president of American Gold Star Mothers, Department of Northern California, who described the meaning of the gold star tradition and noted that while only about 1% of the country now serves in the military, a significant number of Gold Star families remain. Board members took turns thanking Johnson and expressing support for veterans' services.

Supervisor Jones, who identified herself as a veteran spouse when moving the proclamation, moved approval; Supervisor DeMatte seconded. The board approved the proclamation by voice vote.

Ending: Supervisors invited the public to participate in remembrance activities and asked staff to take a photograph with the board and the proclamation following the vote.