Durham Reporter

Durham, N.C. – The Durham County Veteran Services Department is planning a special Memorial Day tribute to honor fallen military heroes and support their surviving families. Gold Star families, who have lost immediate family members serving in the United States Armed Forces, are invited to participate in the 2025 Memorial Day Remembrance Event on May 26, 2025.

The event will feature a recognition ceremony for Gold Star families residing in Durham. "Gold Star families bear both the pain of grief and the challenges of living without their loved ones," said Jonathan Crooms, Durham County Veterans Service Officer. "We want them to know that they are not forgotten."

Families wishing to have their loved ones honored at the event are encouraged to contact the Durham County Veteran Services Department. The event, open to the public and free of charge, begins at 9 a.m. in Conference Room 126, located in the Administration II Building at 201 E. Main St.

This year’s program will include a keynote speech by Durham County Commissioner Stephen J. Valentine, a veteran of the United States Army. Additionally, there will be a roll call of over 350 known active-duty service members from Durham County who died in combat.

For those interested in more information or participation, contact Veteran Services at 919-560-8387 or veteranservices@dconc.gov.