PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated service members and their families Monday during a special event at Lincoln Financial Field.

At a Gold Star Gamers event hosted by the Philadelphia Eagles on Veterans Day, Domenic D’Ambra spoke proudly about his late father.

“I was very excited when I found out I was chosen to come here. I went last year and it was awesome… So far I’ve met Swoop the eagle and he actually played with him a little bit,” he said.

Gold Star Gamers is a non-profit gaming organization that supports families who have lost a military parent.

Kai Gronenthal of Port Jefferson, New York remembers his own father: “My father, Major Victor Gronenthal, graduated from West Point in 2005… He was a Zapper. »

It was events like this that brought Domenic and Kai Gronenthal together years ago, quickly forging a strong bond.

“With people like Domenic, I can talk to him about anything and he’ll know what I’ve been through,” Kai said. To which Domenic added: “He’s honestly become a brother to me.”

“Let kids come together, get together, have a shared experience, a common experience,” said Evan Dornbush of Goldstar Gamers.

Meet other families and Monday night play their favorite video games with some of their favorite professional athletes.

“I kicked people’s butts in Madden!” Jason Avant said excitedly.

Retired Philadelphia Eagle Jason Avant says the cause is close to his heart. He has family members who have served our country.

He said the event was aimed at creating happy memories for these children who have been through a lot.

“I’m trying to create a different reality for them today. We know it’s a difficult time and this event – what it means – but today, in this moment, let’s give them a good moment,” he said.

And that means a lot.

“Just the fact that the Eagles actually care about them and want to do this for them – it makes them feel good,” Madelyn D’Ambra of Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, expressed her gratitude.

Kai Gronenthal also recognized the importance of raising awareness.

“Events like this let people know we exist…even outside of Veterans Day…and beyond,” Gronenthal said.

Gold Star Gamers says they host events like this for about 2,000 families each year, to support those who have lost a military parent.