'They're Not In This Alone:' Skiatook Mother Promotes Gold Star Mother's Day

A Skiatook mother is raising awareness about a holiday she says not many people know about.

Sunday was Gold Star Mother's Day, a day meant to recognize and honor those who have lost a child, spouse, or other family member while serving their country in the military.

Waving under the American flag is a white flag with a red border and a gold star in the center. They are flying across Skiatook, for Gold Star Mother's Day.

“Nobody knows about it,” Michelle Atkins said.

It’s a holiday that has been nationally recognized since 1936. It is now known as “Gold Star Mother's and Family’s Day.”

“It's the last Sunday of September,” Atkins said. “And wow, that's overwhelming to know that there's so many families out there affected, that they get a holiday.”

Atkins became a Gold Star Mother nearly two years ago.

“He had a lot of life left to live,” she said, about her son.

Justin Lambillotte served in the Army and died at Fort Hood, in Texas. He was just 26 years old.

“He was best known for his cowboy boots that turned into roller skates and he roller-skated everywhere,” Atkins said.

“His life was cut way too short,” Randy Sien said.

Sien is proud to wave the flag at his funeral home, where Justin's services were held.

“I was not aware of what the flag was, then when I found out what it was … we're flying it,” Sien said.

He is one of about 30 business owners across town, who waved the flag to commemorate the holiday.

“Pretty amazing. Even the ones that don't have flagpoles are finding a way to hang them on the side of their building or put them on the back of a truck,” Atkins said.

Michelle said there is a community of about 50 Gold Star families in Skiatook. 

“I wanted to be able to do something for them,” she said.

She hopes the simple gesture of waving this flag sends a message.

“They're not in this alone,” Atkins said.

To learn more about Gold Star Mother's and Family’s Day CLICK HERE.