Now that's a nice surprise.
Military families who were already attending the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race in North Carolina over Memorial Day weekend were further surprised.
They were given free tickets to an upcoming cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines.
The free cruises were given to some Gold Star families personally by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) President David J. Herrera -- who also happens to be a U.S. Veteran. More than 40 military families were honored.
“Military service members and their families are incredibly important to us at Norwegian Cruise Line,” Herrera said in a statement. “It is a pleasure to demonstrate this support with our Military Appreciation Program and offer them an opportunity to reconnect on board our ships and create memories that will last a lifetime…These Gold Star Families have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and it is our privilege to recognize and provide them some respite aboard our ships.”
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the cruise provider also recently announced that it will be gifting (through a contest) 20 inspirational teachers and educators with complimentary seven-day cruises aboard the Norwegian Viva.
The cruise line said that both of these initiatives showcase the company’s appreciation and commitment to people who have provided service to their country and local communities.
The tradition of the Gold Star dates all the way back to World War I, when families hung a flag in the window with blue stars in it. The stars indicated how many family members were fighting in the war. When the blue star was changed to gold, it signified that the family member died in service.
In November 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line company introduced its inaugural Military Appreciation Program. The program was set up to recognize service members, veterans, and retired individuals from the U.S. military, along with their spouses.
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