Covington Ladies Home resident Mae Luster may have suspected something was up when she entered the dining room at CLH and saw so many of her kin gathered in one place.
Just a regular Sunday visit with Granma?
No, this time something much more.
Mae Luster with family members, celebrating their hero. (Photo provided)
Mae’s big family wished to honor Mae’s grandson, Marine Lance Corporal Justin Sims, 2003 Holmes High School graduate, who was killed in action in 2006 while serving our country in Iraq.
The reason for this event was the unveiling of an oil portrait of Justin, in full military dress, done by renowned local artist, Yvette LaFolette Mazza. Yvette is member of an artist group that each year selects a fallen American hero to honor with a portrait.
Generations of Mae’s family, Lusters of all ages, gathered to remember and honor Justin, and to support Mae in this unveiling. Mae is a true patriot. She keeps a scrapbook of military loved ones and friends who have served our country from Korea to the present.
The day was particularly bittersweet because it was on this very date the family learned of their loss.
Pablo Rodriguez and Anthony Thurmann represented the United States Marine Corps at the special event honoring Justin, his service and his sacrifice. Others joining to acknowledge Justin and to support Mae included CLH Board members, fellow ladies home residents and staff.
