Remembering All Those Who Fight

There's no way to overstate the loss of the brave soldiers who defend country never to return. Communities mourn and families grieve long after the fighting has ceased. 

The scope of war may include disparate political interests with global implications, but at its core, it's personal. It's sacrifice.

One Ridgewood parent is organizing an initiative bring awareness to a community on the impact such loss can have on the mothers of soldiers who were lost, but not forgotten.

Maria Bombace, who has two sons that have served in the Marines and Army, is asking that the Ridgewood community honor Gold Star Mothers on September 25 by lighting luminaries as a show of support.

Organized nationally by Marine Parents, a proclamation was made in 1936 designating September 25 as a day of observance. Marine Parents created the initiative with ten communities per state in mind to lead the initiative.

"I immediately thought what a great thing to do to honor these mothers and families," Bombace said. "The more I talk to people, the more I realize people were not made aware of this. It's a good opportunity to bring awareness to the community and honor these families."

Bombace and a group of volunteers will be at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square with around 100 candles and a large sign explaining the initiative from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. While there is no formal gathering, Bombace is imploring the community to light luminaries from 6 to 8 on Sunday night on their porches or yards.

"'I've been very lucky," Bombace said. "My son went to Iraq, served two tours and he came back alive."

She continued, referencing a quote she'd recently been struck by.

"One percent of our nation has taken 100 percent of the blood," she said, referencing the casualties of war.

"This will be a great opportunity to really bring to the forefront awareness of these families and the sacrifice that they have given to us. They basically gave us their sons and daughters."

For more information, see the PDF attached to the right or e-mail Maria Bombace at mariabombace@aol.com. Luminaries can be purchased at this link, Marineparents.com.