LOUISVILLE, Ky. –
The Kentucky National Guard, in partnership with Kentucky Survivor Outreach Services, hosted the 14th annual Survivor’s Day at the Races at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Nov. 3.
The event provided a day of camaraderie and remembrance, offering Gold Star families a space to gather, reflect, and celebrate together.
Before the day’s first official bugle call, retired Chief Master Sgt. Mark Grant, a familiar face in the Survivor Outreach Services program, welcomed top leaders from the National Guard Bureau, the Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio National Guard, the Woody Williams Foundation, the U.S. General Services Administration, and event sponsors like Humana Military. In his opening remarks, Grant emphasized the event's legacy and its role in ensuring that fallen heroes are “Never Forgotten, Never Alone.”
"If you don’t know how to address a family member who has lost someone to military action, it’s simple," said Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general. “Just say, ‘Tell me about your Soldier,’ and then let them talk. Showing that level of interest or concern makes all the difference in the world.”
As part of the ceremony, Matthew Paynter with Humana Military, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting the Survivor’s Day program, symbolizing unity within the survivor community.
This year's event welcomed over 250 Gold Star families. His remarks highlighted the collaboration among military and community organizations, including the Woody Williams Foundation, represented by CEO Dr. Mark Harris.
“In the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s it was really about mothers – the Gold Star Mother Foundation,” said Harris. “But after a father approached our founder, Woody Williams, and expressed that dads grieve too, Woody knew it had to be about all family members.”
Harris emphasized the Foundation’s mission to honor fallen service members by creating Gold Star family memorials nationwide.
The day featured activities for all ages, including dining, arts and crafts, and face painting. Gold Star attendee Lynn Romans, mother of fallen hero Sgt. Darrin Potter, shared her experience. “Every relationship is grieved differently, whether that’s a spouse, child, or parent,” she said. “Survivor Outreach Services has done an amazing job connecting people and bonding families through events like today.”
Later, Gold Star families gathered at the Winner’s Circle for a commemorative moment that symbolized their strength and resilience. Families presented the trophy to the winning jockey and horse of Race 5, dedicated to America’s fallen heroes, celebrating the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Throughout the day, families shared stories, laughter, and poignant moments—a testament to the enduring strength of the Gold Star community.