Local organization hosts ball to honor families, children of fallen soldiers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It was a special night in uptown Saturday as a local organization honored the children of those who gave everything for the United States.

The organization Blue Star Mothers of Charlotte held its annual Military Kids Ball and paid special tribute to gold star families and children.

Saturday night's event helped raise money for the families and children of men and women who died in Iraq or Afghanistan, either by suicide, while on active duty, or from injuries of any war of conflict.

One Gold Star mother Cynthia Sullivan said the event helps teach the children the important of their parent's sacrifice.

"They need to know what it's like to make the sacrifice," Sullivan said. "You have lost someone who is so near and dear to you and we celebrate him."

During the event, organizers showed a video of fallen soldiers returning home for the last time.

Sullivan said during the video, she could feel her son's presence supporting her.

"I lived that video, but I still sit up on the chair very strong, very upright because I felt my son holding me up," Sullivan said.

This is the second year of the event and April is the month of the "military child."

The Blue Star Mothers of America focuses on supporting troops, veterans, and the families of fallen soldiers.

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