Gold Star Memorial dedication in Lorain County honoring sacrifice, service is Sept. 29

The Lorain County community will gather to dedicate the Lorain County Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (GSFMM) at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 29 on the grounds of the Old Courthouse, 308 Second St. in Elyria, according to a news release.

Gold Star families and relatives are invited as honored guests, the release said.

While honoring those who have given the last full measure of devotion to the nation, the primary purpose of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is to pay tribute to the families of Lorain County who have lost family members in the line of duty while in the military, according to the release.

“The memorial, with inscriptions of Homeland, Family, Patriot and Sacrifice, stands as a symbol of the profound gratitude and reverence we hold for the families of these fallen heroes,” the release said. “This memorial’s location was chosen because of its significance to our community.

“On this sacred ground already stands the old county courthouse, representing our community ‘s long dedication to justice, the People and Fire memorial, the Workers memorial, and the Lorain County World War II memorial. It is fitting that this memorial is added to this hallowed Lorain County Soil.”

The dedication ceremony will feature keynote addresses from local Gold Star family members, Lorain County Commissioner David Moore, assistant director of the Office of Survivor Assistance Ann Duff, and Dr. Mark Harris of the Woody Williams Foundation, according to the release.

The event also will include a presentation of colors, a moment of silence and a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate those who have fallen.

“Our community is deeply connected to the values of duty, honor and sacrifice,” said Kimberly Hazelgrove, Gold Star spouse/Army veteran and co-chair of the Lorain County Gold Star Families committee, in the release. “The Gold Star Families Memorial is a powerful reminder of the profound sacrifice surviving family members have made towards our freedom.

“We are proud to dedicate this memorial to ensure their daily struggle is not forgotten by the people of Lorain County.”

The ceremony is open to all who wish to attend to pay their respects and honor those families who have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

For additional information about the Lorain County Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Dedication, contact Lorain County Veteran Service Commission Director Jacob Smith at 440-328-2442 or jacobs@lcvsc.com. For information about the Woody Williams Foundation, visit https://woodywilliams.org/monuments/lorain-cty-oh.html.