Lest We Forget

It is those words that I cannot seem to get out of my head as I walk through Arlington Cemetery, on a beautiful sunny morning in May. Miles of white headstones perfectly lined up, row after row, go beyond as far as my eye can see. It is a hountingly beautiful sight. I have to stop for a minute, because on this day, the view seems to have taken my breath away. It is not my first visit to Arlington Cemetery, but it is the first time that I seem to know so many of our nations heroes buried there. I forced myself to stop for a moment to look and to listen. It was early morning, and what I heard were birds singing their morning song, the American flag flying over Fort Myer was flapping loudly in the wind, I could hear the honor guard and the clapping of their horses hoofs as they transported one of our fallen to their final resting place and somewhere in the distance, I could hear a 21 gun salute. It was 8:30 in the morning. Though I did not know who was being buried that day, somewhere deep within me, I was so moved by their valor and their courage. No, I did not know them, but I know many who came before them. I prayed that they were all there in spirit to greet them with open arms. I was reminded in that moment that they are all forever lost to us, yet we enjoy such a great gift from them. Our Freedom...

It is a visit to Arlington Cemetary or a day like Memorial Day that open the gates to our hearts. To be reminded of every person, past and present, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of Liberty and in the name of Freedom!

It is on this Memorial Day that we, at United Grace, are reminded that the best way to honor our fallen is to serve those left behind. We designed our Gold Star Grace collection with that goal in mind. We hope that all who wear this collection will know that we will never forget and we will never stop trying to find ways to serve them. 

Lest we forget... 

By: Donna Jones 

This Star Will Always Lead Me Home

"This star will always lead me home"

We recently received an order for a Blue Star Grace Pendant from a young soldier in Afghanistan. This was a special gift for his wife, who was at home, missing him. He asked that we include a note from him that simply said.. "This star will always lead me home" 

We were so moved by this; first, it reminded us of the incredible sacrifice our military families have to make. It is impossible to imagine what it is like to have someone you love deployed to a foreign land, fighting for his country. You would have to live it to understand it. The separation for an entire year and living every day of it with fear for their safety is just the beginning of the struggles our military families face. 

It has been said that we often take for granted the very things that deserve our gratitude. This simple request made us pause with gratitude. It gave us the grace to stop and remember why we started our company and the confidence that our mission is our true north and we must continue to follow it. 

This brings me to the second reason we were so moved by this sweet soldiers request.  The star has long been used as a symbol to honor our county and our military. When we were designing our collections, we wanted one element that could speak to the wearer without words! The star, cut deeply into the stone, is the element that says, I am loved, I have loved, I have sacrificed, I have been strong, I have been courageous, I have been loyal, and I have given all! Yes, this star says all of that and so much more without ever saying a word! We pray that every star cut into every stone will lead a soldier home. 

May you be united by grace! 

Donna Jones