Sprucing up Gold Star Family Memorial Monument ahead of Veterans Day in Lacey

Ahead of Veterans Day, the City of Lacey’s Gold Star Family Memorial Monument received restoration and cleaning by volunteers from the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Sergeants Major Association (JBLM-SMA) and Lacey Veterans Services Hub (LVHS).

The joint cleanup prepared the memorial grounds, located at the Civic Plaza on 521 Sleater-Kinney Road SE, for Veterans Day observances.

A total of 12 volunteers, including retired and active duty personnel, joined LVHS in cleaning the granite monument.

“Volunteers cleaned the Memorial, refreshed the surrounding stonework, and tended to the landscape and walkways to ensure the space reflects the respect owed to the families of fallen Service Members,” the City of Lacey said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 6.

The Gold Star Family Memorial Monument is a public landmark that honors courage and sacrifice of fallen troops, and acknowledges the endurance of their families who became pillars of remembrance.

The monument was established through partnership between the City of Lacey and Gold Star Memorial Foundation of Lacey. It adopts the model envisioned by World War II Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, whose foundation has helped communities erect more than 130 similar memorials nationwide.

The city said the JBLM-SMA’s participation affirms its commitment to public service through acts that honor military families.

“A heartfelt thank you goes to the Sergeants Major Association for their leadership and continued partnership with the (city) and the LVSH in supporting projects that honor military families and strengthen the community’s connection to its Service Members,” the city said.