The 2026 Gold Star Mothers Day Brunch

A Day of Remembrance, Healing, Hope, and Fellowship

The 2026 Gold Star Mother's Day Brunch was held successfully on Saturday, May 8, 2026, bringing together approximately 70 guests for a moving and memorable celebration honoring our Nation’s Gold Star Families.

The large majority of attendees were our Honored and Cherished Gold Star Mothers, several of whom were accompanied by their husbands — Gold Star Fathers. We were also privileged to have at least one Gold Star Grandmother and one Gold Star Aunt in attendance.

The event served as a day of remembrance, fellowship, healing, and celebration of the lives and legacies of our fallen heroes.

Hosted by Wine Country Marines, Keynoted by Colonel Jonathan Frerichs of the I-MEF the reception began at 10:30 a.m. in a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with smiles, hugs, photographs, and heartfelt reunions among families who share a bond few others can fully understand.

Honoring Gold Star Mothers Upon Arrival

Upon arrival, each Gold Star Mother was personally greeted by SgtMaj Kimberly Barton and MGySgt Thomas Wallace from United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station San Francisco, who respectfully presented and pinned a corsage on each mother in honor of her sacrifice and the service of her child.

Throughout the reception, guests mingled while photographs and fellowship continued in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The environment reflected not grief alone, but love, resilience, pride, and family.

The event was held at the beautiful el PRADO Hotel, whose staff provided exceptional service, hospitality, and patriotism throughout the day. The hotel staff embraced the spirit of the event, dressing in colors and garments that reflected tribute and respect for the Gold Star Families being honored.

El Prado Hotel also generously supported the mission of the event by providing discounted venue and catering services, as well as donating the desserts served during the luncheon. Their professionalism, compassion, and support played a significant role in the success of the gathering.

The Formal Ceremony Begins

The formal ceremony commenced at 11:30 a.m. with the March On of the Colors presented by the Color Guard from the 23rd Marine Regiment in San Bruno, California.

Shortly thereafter, Air Force Veteran Kimberly Icenhower delivered a stirring performance of the National Anthem, earning a resounding round of applause from the audience and setting a patriotic and emotional tone for the ceremony.

Following the anthem, James Brown, Chairman of Wine Country Marines, presented the Table of Remembrance ceremony honoring our fallen service members, prisoners of war, and those still missing in action.

The invocation was then delivered by Gloria Cervantes, Blue Star Mother and committee member, who offered heartfelt prayers for the families gathered and for the memory of those they came to honor.

Guests and dignitaries were formally welcomed, after which event founder Grace Witt shared the history and inspiration behind the Gold Star Mother's Day Brunch.

She reflected on the importance of creating a space where Gold Star Families could gather not simply to mourn, but to celebrate the lives, service, and sacrifices of their loved ones while supporting one another through shared understanding and compassion.

A Beautiful and Unexpected Moment

Shortly after the Color Guard completed their duties, an unexpected yet beautiful moment unfolded. The Color Sergeant informed James Brown that an emergency required their immediate departure, as Sgt. DeJesus’ wife had gone into labor. James immediately urged the Marines to depart and attend to their family priorities.

When the news of the upcoming birth was announced to the audience, the Gold Star Mothers and guests erupted into applause and cheers.

Gloria Cervantes then led the room in prayer for the health and safety of both mother and baby.

What could have been viewed as an interruption instead became one of the most touching moments of the day — a reminder that even amid remembrance of loss, life continues, families grow, and hope endures.

The Butterfly Theme: A Symbol of Hope and Transformation

That moment also beautifully reflected the central theme of this year’s event: butterflies.

The venue was decorated throughout with butterflies and butterfly-themed artwork symbolizing transformation, endurance, hope, and renewal.

Carolina Brown, Wine Country Marines volunteer and Chief Event Coordinator for the Gold Star Mother's Day Brunch, explained to the audience that she selected the butterfly theme because of the symbolism it represents.

As she described, the caterpillar struggles through life’s challenges, is embraced within the cocoon, and ultimately emerges transformed into a beautiful butterfly — representing growth, perseverance, healing, and life anew.

The symbolism resonated deeply throughout the event and served as a meaningful reminder of resilience and hope even through grief and loss.

Remarks from Congressman Sam Liccardo

Sam Liccardo arrived shortly thereafter and delivered inspiring words of encouragement and support to the Gold Star Families.

His remarks acknowledged the extraordinary sacrifices made not only by our fallen heroes, but also by the mothers, fathers, spouses, and family members who continue carrying their memory forward every day.

Keynote Address by Colonel Jonathan Frerichs

The keynote address was delivered by Colonel Jonathan Frerichs, G35 Futures Officer for I Marine Expeditionary Force (IMEF) and Executive Director for Operation Balikatan.

Colonel Frerichs flew in from the Philippines the evening prior specifically to attend and serve as keynote speaker for the event, a gesture that deeply resonated with attendees.

Colonel Frerichs delivered a riveting and profoundly emotional speech centered on the sacrifices mothers make for their children — often quietly, without recognition, explanation, or acknowledgment.

He spoke about the unseen influence mothers have on shaping the character, courage, and integrity of those who wear the uniform.

“All of the good in me has my mother’s fingerprints on it.”

His words visibly moved many in attendance and were met with sustained applause.

Fellowship, Music, and Reflection

Following the keynote address, guests paused for photographs and fellowship while plated meal service began.

The food was exceptional, the service outstanding, and the atmosphere throughout the luncheon reflected the spirit of the event — celebration of life, remembrance of sacrifice, and the joy of togetherness among people who genuinely care for one another.

Following lunch service, Air Force Veteran Kimberly Icenhower returned alongside Active Duty Coast Guard member LCDR William Hall on guitar to perform five musical selections specially chosen for the Gold Star Families.

Their performances brought both smiles and tears throughout the room.

The final piece, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, proved especially emotional, with many mothers softly singing along while Kimberly delivered a tearful and heartfelt performance.

The room was filled with embraces, tears, smiles, and moments of deep reflection and connection.

Gifts and Community Support

Following the musical tribute, special gifts and tokens of appreciation were presented to attendees.

Every guest received a one-pound box of See’s Candies, identified during the ceremony as their premier product “Gold Gift of Excellence.”

James Brown addressed the audience regarding the unwavering support See’s Candies has consistently shown toward America’s military community and expressed sincere gratitude for their generous donation to the event.

Guests responded with enthusiastic applause, particularly after hearing about See’s Candies’ support during the COVID-19 pandemic, when large quantities of their products were transported aboard military aircraft to forward deployed troops serving in Afghanistan.

In addition to the chocolates, Gold Star Mothers received gift bags containing numerous donated items, including personalized purses and additional gifts prepared specifically for them.

Bundt cakes were distributed to attendees, and a raffle was conducted for the beautiful floral centerpieces provided by Cittis Florist.

“For a Gold Star Parent, Every Day is Memorial Day”

Even after the formal program concluded, many guests remained for more than an additional hour enjoying continued fellowship, conversation, photographs, laughter, and heartfelt embraces.

Throughout the afternoon there was a visible sense of healing, pride, gratitude, and connection among attendees.

“For a Gold Star Parent, Every Day is Memorial Day.”

While the Nation pauses once each year to remember our fallen, Gold Star Families carry that sacrifice with them every single day. Holidays such as Mother's Day and Father's Day can often be especially painful reminders of loss.

The mission of this gathering is not to add to mourning, but rather to celebrate life — to honor the sons and daughters who served, to recognize the sacrifices of their families, and to create opportunities for Gold Star Families to find comfort and strength in one another.

By bringing these families together in an atmosphere of dignity, love, remembrance, and celebration, the Gold Star Mother's Day Brunch seeks to replace at least a small measure of grief with moments of joy, healing, companionship, and pride.

The 2026 Gold Star Mother's Day Brunch fulfilled that mission beautifully and successfully. It was a day marked not only by remembrance of sacrifice, but by hope, love, resilience, transformation, and the enduring strength of the Gold Star community.

If you are a Gold Star Mother or Father and would like to attend events like these in the future as our guest please provide your info here.

Or if you'd like to donate, support or volunteer, please let us know.

Table of Remembrance Ceremony Script

(modified for Gold Star Families)

At this time, I ask you to direct your attention to this place of honor.

This small table is set for one, symbolizing the sons and daughters who are absent from our gathering today.

Though they cannot be with us in body, they remain forever present in our hearts, our memories, and in the enduring spirit of this nation they served.

Meaning of the Table

The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their intentions when they answered the call to serve our nation.

The single red rose displayed in the vase reminds us of the lives sacrificed in defense of freedom, and of the loved ones who continue to carry both pride and sorrow in their hearts each day.

The yellow ribbon tied upon the vase represents our continued remembrance, our devotion, and the enduring hope carried by families whose loved ones never returned home.

The slice of lemon upon the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate endured by many who served, and of the sorrow borne by the families they left behind.

The salt upon the plate symbolizes the countless tears shed by families, friends, and fellow Americans who mourn their absence.

The candle is lit to represent the light of memory, a flame that shall never be extinguished as long as we continue to speak their names and honor their sacrifice.

The inverted glass reminds us that our fallen heroes cannot raise a toast with us today.

The empty chair reminds us of the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and comrades who are no longer seated among us.

Symbols of Honor and Sacrifice

The blank dog tags displayed here symbolize every service member who answered the call to duty. Though some names may fade from public memory with time, we affirm today that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The white gloves symbolize honor, dignity, and the sacred respect with which we remember our fallen.

The Marine Corps sword represents courage, duty, and the unwavering commitment of those who stood ready to defend our nation.

The uniform cover resting upon this table reminds us that behind every rank and every uniform was a son or daughter deeply loved by family and country.

Displayed upon this table is the Prisoner of War Medal, honoring those who endured captivity in service to our nation, and reminding us that freedom has always carried a profound cost.

Also displayed is the Purple Heart, awarded to those wounded or killed in combat while serving our nation. It stands as a solemn reminder of the physical and emotional wounds carried by generations of warriors and their families.

Placed here as well is a Gold Star Mothers pin, worn by a mother whose child gave their life in service to our country. This emblem represents not only loss, but extraordinary strength, dignity, sacrifice, and enduring love.

Today, it stands in honor of all Gold Star Mothers — women whose sacrifice is carried quietly, faithfully, and forever.

Closing

Let us never forget that behind every fallen service member is a family whose life was forever changed.

Today, we honor not only those who gave their lives in service to our nation, but also the mothers who carry their memory forward with courage, grace, and unwavering love.

Please join me in a moment of silence to remember our fallen heroes, their families, and especially our Gold Star Mothers.