Gold Star lapel button. Photo from army.mil.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Gold Star Family Memorial groundbreaking has been moved indoors Wednesday (April 6) to Armory at 1700 W Russell at 3:30 p.m.
Gold Star Families are those who have lost a family member during a time of war.
The groundbreaking is a first step toward building a memorial to Gold Star Families at Veterans Memorial Park.
South Dakota Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Michael Fitzmaurice, a Vietnam veteran, plans to attend the event.
Below is the news release about the event.
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Those who have lost a loved one in defense of our American freedoms experience a sense of loss and pain unlike any other. They are called Gold Star Families and soon, Sioux Falls will have a dedicated place to honor their sacrifices.
On Wednesday, April 6, local leaders will break ground on a new Gold Star Memorial Monument to be erected at Veterans Memorial Park, 1021 West Bailey Street in Sioux Falls. The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. Members of the media and the general public are invited to this special event.
Gold Star Families, state and local veterans organizations and representatives from the military will be present. Michael Fitzmaurice, a Vietnam War veteran and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, plans to attend the event.
About Gold Star Families
Sioux Falls Gold Star Families are part of the national Woody Williams Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pursuing the vision of WWII Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams to honor, recognize and serve families whose loved ones have paid the ultimate sacrifice. There currently exists 175 active Gold Star communities: 90 monuments have been installed with 85 projects in process across 50 states and one U.S. Territory. Learn about the Foundation at woodywilliams.org.
About the Gold Star Monument
Gold Star Monuments provide a place of permanence for Gold Star Families. They are intended to:
- Provide a space Gold Star Families can call their own in honor of their loved ones and their family.
- Demonstrate to Gold Star Families that their community cares for them and appreciates their sacrifice while also honoring the ultimate sacrifice of their loved ones.
- Establish and strengthen local Gold Star Family communities through outreach events associated with each monument location.
- Educate the general public about Gold Star Families’ enduring sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones.
