Sandy Kottre speaks to those gathered Friday evening for the Gold Star banner-raising ceremony in honor of her son, Adam Patton, who died in Afghanistan earlier this year. - Tim Kelly/staff photo
Tim Kelly/staff photo
Sandy Kottre speaks to those gathered Friday evening for the Gold Star banner-raising ceremony in honor of her son, Adam Patton, who died in Afghanistan earlier this year.

Gold Star banner raised to honor fallen soldier from Port Orchard


September 13, 2011 · Updated 10:29 AM 

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A large gathering of family, friends and members of the military attended a ceremony Friday evening in Port Orchard at which a Gold Star banner was raised in honor of Adam Patton, a 21-year-old soldier who died in combat in Afghanistan.

Patton, a 2008 graduate of South Kitsap High School, died May 26 along with five other members of his unit when they were attacked by insurgents in Kandahar Province. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, Ky.

His mother, Sandy Kottre, spoke to those in attendance Friday for the ceremony by the Bethel Avenue roundabout in front of the Hi Joy Bowling Alley, where Patton used to work.

Members of the Patriot Guard motorcycle club served as color guard, and club member Jacque Hamilton sang "God Bless America."

After the Gold Star banner was attached to a light pole to conclude the ceremony, attendees lined up to sign a guestbook by Patton's pickup that had his motorcycle in the truck bed.

 

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