[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 153 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING KENTUCKY GOLD STAR FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2017

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor all Gold Star family 
members who have lost a loved one in the Global War on Terrorism. I 
want to pay special honor to the families of the 120 Kentuckians who 
have given their lives in protecting our nation.
  Petty Officer First Class Edward T. Earhart, USN, was the first 
Kentuckian killed when he lost his life during the attack on the 
Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The last Kentuckian killed was Captain 
Matthew D. Roland, USAF, who lost his life in Afghanistan on August 26, 
2015. Six of these brave heroes' final resting place is in Camp Nelson 
National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
  Mark and Barbara Roland, parents of Captain Roland, were inspired to 
place a Gold Star Family Monument at Camp Nelson. They formed a 
grassroots committee, who then worked to raise the necessary funds and 
complete the project. This monument represents the sacrifice of the 
service members who were lost but also the sacrifice and loss felt by 
all their family members. The inscription on the monument reads, 
``Dedicated to the families left to remember and honor the sacrifice of 
their loved ones in the service and cause of freedom to a grateful 
nation.''
  Through this monument, may we forever be reminded of these brave 
heroes and their families. Their service and sacrifice will never be 
forgotten.
  It is my honor to recognize our brave Kentucky heroes and their 
families before the United States House of Representatives.

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