Dedication planned for Watseka Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

The Watseka Gold Star Families Memorial Monument dedication has been set.

The event is planned for 1 p.m. April 26 at Legion Park.

Fundraising has taken place locally for several months. A groundbreaking was conducted in Legion Park in September of 2023.

The public is invited to the event.

There is a local committee working on the project and the group is working through the Woody Williams Foundation, which helps to establish the memorial monuments throughout the country.

The local committee is made up of Tammy Allen (Gold Star Mother), Kris Hemp (Gold Star Mother), Eric West and Janet Doyle, with honorary board members Scott Allen and Alucia Marshall.

The Woody Williams Foundation is a 501(c)3 “That pursues specific endeavors and goals through the vision of Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams.” The foundation “encourages, with the assistance of the American public and community leaders, establishing permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the United States, conducting Gold Star Families Outreach across the country, and providing Living Legacy scholarships to eligible Gold Star Family members.”

According to the website woodywilliams.org, Williams honored and served Gold Star Families throughout his life and the foundation helps that legacy continue.

People can also ask questions by emailing watsekagoldstarmemorial@gmail.com or call 815-671-5494.