Masonic and Civil ServicesKansas Masons Sponsor Annual Gold Star Family Remembrance and Recognition Ceremony

Topeka, Kansas (September 22, 2023)—As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and individuals. In recent years, Kansas Masons have displayed their commitment to the success of local communities by supporting various charitable endeavors, contributing over $200,000 worth of scholarships annually to local students, offering free cancer screenings to Kansas residents through the Masonic Cancer Alliance, sponsoring the Kansas Entrepreneurial Challenge, and participating in the Kansas Community Empowerment Program. 

This year, Kansas Masons and the Kansas Masonic Foundation have teamed up to sponsor Governor Laura Kelly’s Annual Gold Star Family Remembrance and Recognition Ceremony for families of fallen service members. The ceremony took place on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Gold Star Memorial located at the Statehouse and offered an opportunity for Gold Star Families, Veterans, and current service members to attend.

A Gold Star Family is any immediate family member of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict, and there are currently over 1.7 million registered Gold Star Families established across the United States. Until 2022, Kansas remained one of the only states without a Gold Star Family Memorial on Statehouse grounds, prompting Governor Kelly to support the passage of Senate Bill 333. A monument was eventually constructed, consisting of a plaque mounted on a granite stone, placed on the Veterans’ Walk.

Due to their continued support and dedication to our military personnel, Kansas Masons have decided to help sponsor the annual event, which takes place each September. Our Gold Star Families are a vital part of our nation’s military community, and the Kansas Masonic Foundation is dedicated to honoring their sacrifice. 

About the Kansas Masonic Foundation:
As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, click here.