Groundbreaking held for Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Elkins

ELKINS, W.Va. (WV News) — Rotary International District 7545, in collaboration with The American Legion Department of West Virginia and the Woody Williams Foundation, recently conducted a groundbreaking for what will soon become the newest Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in the nation.

The event marked the start of the project dedicated to honoring the families of fallen servicemen and women.

Immediate past District Governor of Rotary International District 7545, Vice Admiral retired J. Dan McCarthy, provided remarks that highlighted Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams’ vision in creating the first Gold Star Memorial Monument over 11 years ago in Institute, West Virginia. That vision has resulted in, at last count, 141 installed monuments across the nation with 49 more in progress.

As McCarthy stated, “Woody wanted these monuments to serve three purposes: provide a space in which Gold Star families can honor their loved ones and their families; provide a site in which to host Gold Star family outreach events and programs; and educate and raise awareness in the American public about Gold Star families and the sacrifices they have made for the freedoms we enjoy every day as Americans.”

Attendees at the event included veterans, community leaders, local Rotarians and area residents as well as those involved in the design and construction of the monument. The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks from key individuals supporting the project as well as sincere appreciation for the donors from across the nation and here locally in Elkins who have contributed to make this monument possible.

The Elkins monument will serve as a lasting tribute to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, officials said. It is expected to be completed later this summer, at which time a public dedication will be conducted.

In his remarks, Mayor Jerry A. Marco expressed his pride in having the memorial in Elkins, noting “It shows our community growing, it shows vision becoming reality.”