Jul 31 2022
Katelyn Aluise | The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON — The Greater Hungtington Park & Recreation District Board approved a motion last month to support Hershel "Woody" Williams' last project — the installation of a Gold Star Families Memorial that faces the Memorial Arch between Memorial Boulevard and 11th Street West in Huntington's Southside neighborhood.
The local hero's plan is finally being put in motion.
Williams was the last livingh Medal of Honor recipient from World War II up until his death last month.
The Woody Williams Foundation had the initial goal of establishing a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Williams' home state, West Virginia, with the goal of paying tribute to the families of U.S. soldiers who never returned home. Williams then took on the mission of establishing a monument in as many communities as possible in all U.S. states and territories.
Placing a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument across from Huntington's Memorial Arch was one of Williams' last requests, said Dan Fergusion, chief magistrate of Cabell County.
Ferguson said the project is expected to take six months to a year to complete and he anticipates it will cost around $80,000.
