A Long Beach Stalwart,
The American Gold Star Manor

By James McLanahan

I first learned about American Gold Star Manor when our chapter was invited to its Memorial Day/National Poppy Day ceremony. Arriving at the Long Beach campus, I was immediately struck by its immaculate, park-like grounds—a rare find in Los Angeles County.

American Gold Star Manor is one of those rare institutions that is both a place and a promise. The Manor provides safe, affordable, independent living for Gold Star parents, veterans, and eligible seniors. Its deeper purpose, however, is remembrance. It stands as a living commitment to honor the families of America’s fallen service members and to the enduring obligation our nation has to those who have borne the cost of war. Everywhere I looked, banners flew in tribute to fallen service members, reinforcing that mission of remembrance.

It is difficult to explain to those who have not experienced it firsthand. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to lose a child, spouse, or loved one to war. As a veteran, I have the benefit of understanding their service in a way most family members never get. I watched young men train, mature, and become the soldiers our nation needed them to be.

The Manor’s origins trace back to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., the national organization founded by mothers whose sons and daughters died in military service. At the organization’s 10th Annual National Convention, members proposed establishing a national memorial home for pensioned Gold Star Mothers.

In 1953, they purchased Truman Boyd Manor, a 93-acre Long Beach property—a site that had served as temporary housing for WWII defense workers and military personnel. The organization set to work transforming the wartime complex into a permanent home for Gold Star Mothers. From that initial vision, American Gold Star Manor was born, evolving into a vibrant community serving Gold Star families, veterans, and low-income seniors.

Among this year’s guest speakers were Steve Keesal and Ryan Antes, both American Gold Star Manor board members who have also spoken at Chapter meetings. Both are former U.S. Army Rangers with deep ties to Long Beach and the broader veteran community. Keesal served with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq before continuing his service through civic and veterans’ organizations. Antes, a Long Beach native, also served in the 75th Ranger Regiment with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq before returning home to build a career as a trial attorney and later a trust attorney, while remaining an advocate for veterans.

Together, their presence reflected the spirit of the Manor itself. Their remarks honored sacrifice not only through remembrance of fallen comrades, but also through continued service to Gold Star families, veterans, and the community. In many ways, they demonstrated that remembrance is not simply about looking back—it is about carrying forward the responsibility to serve others.

Well done, gentlemen. Rangers Lead the Way!