Families of U.S. military who died on active duty meet at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It was a day of fellowship and racing at Churchill Downs while thanking those who gave their lives for the U.S.

The 13th annual Survivors Day was held at the horse racing track on Sunday. Families who have lost a service member gathered to share stories and what it means for their relatives to serve their country.

America's Gold Star Families are grieving military families who lost a loved one while serving on active duty. Gold Star parents also gave speeches to attendees. Families from 27 states attended the event in Louisville.

"Some of the survivors they lost their loved ones early in wars and it is now a time for them to have a good time to build up resiliency with other families," said Mark Grant, the event organizer. "You do that through fellowship and what better place to have a great time than at Churchill Downs.

Survivors of American Heroes and U.S. Army Survivor Outreach Services participated in the event.

To learn more about America's Gold Star Families, click here.