R2D2 Visits The White House to Honor Gold Star Military Families
With Stars Wars: The Force Awakens on track to scoop up the biggest opening weekend box office in history, even President Obama's family joined the celebration with a Stars Wars party Friday and a visit from the little droid many call the real hero of the franchise
Disney celebrated a special White House screening of the new flick for military families who are part of the Gold Star program. Stormtroopers were positioned on the White House lawn and corridors and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed R2D2 into the First Family Home.
The Obamas also danced with a stormtrooper.
R2D2 found the dogs he was looking for:
And Stormtroopers mingled with Snowtroopers:
The US Army says Gold Star Lapel pins are presented to and worn by surviving spouses, parents and immediate family members of Armed Forces members killed in combat operations. The Gold Star pin is a gold star on a purple circular background. Next of Kin Lapel Pins are presented to and worn by immediate Family members of United States Armed Forces members who die while serving outside of combat operations. The Next of Kin pin is a gold star on a gold background.
"The Gold Star Service Flag is displayed in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our Nation. This flag is a white rectangular field bordered in red, with a gold star superimposed over a larger blue star so that the blue forms a border. The Blue Star Service Flag is a white rectangular field bordered in red, with a blue star or stars arranged horizontally. The number of blue stars corresponds to the number of Family members in U.S. Armed forces currently deployed during any war or conflict."
Behind the pins and flag lie stories of fallen soldiers and strong survivors.