A Montana Gold Star Mom’s Memorial Day Message

I can't tell you what an incredible honor it was to receive a surprise phone call from a Gold Star mom while we were LIVE on the radio Friday. I think there are a lot of Montanans who want to support our Gold Star families, but we don't know what to say or what to do.

We got a call from Melissa Sandvick. Earlier in the program, we mentioned her son, US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jeremy Sandvick Monroe. The Chinook High School graduate was killed in Iraq in 2006.

For Melissa and all of the Gold Star families out there- we can't thank you enough for your family's sacrifice. We can never say enough, but we just want you to know that we're thinking about you and all of our Gold Star family members this weekend.

What can we as Montanans say or do to support our Gold Star families?

Melissa Sandvick: "It's hard for a lot of people. And I know, I mean it was hard for me to talk to people about it. And it was hard for people to talk to me when it first happened. Now what we really want is for our young men and women to be recognized, and to be remembered. Because as you go through the years, we think- you know, well, maybe they're forgotten- but that's not the way it is. And we want them- their name to be heard. And they should- all of our veterans, anyone that served should be remembered, but those that last their lives should be spoken a little bit more."

Melissa called in from Malta and tells us that there will be a Memorial Day parade at 1 p.m. Monday. Lineup starts at noon at Veterans Memorial Park.

Melissa Sandvick: "I just got a message on Facebook yesterday from one of the boys that graduated with Jeremy from Chinook. And he- they want to do a convoy at the all class reunion from Chinook to Dodson so that his classmates can be there with him. And I think that was really- I mean that really touched my heart. So anytime that their names can be mentioned, it's beautiful. It's beautiful to hear."

You can listen to her full phone call below: