Oct 18 2019
Noah Jones |Richland Source
MANSFIELD -- The public is cordially invited to the dedication ceremony for the Mansfield Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Nov. 18.
The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. in front of the Richland County Courthouse at 50 Park Avenue East in Mansfield.
The purpose of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is to honor Gold Star Families, preserve the memory of the fallen, and stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free.
The black granite monument features two sides.
One side bears the words: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who have sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom. The other side tells a story through the four granite panels: Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice. The scenes on each panel are a reflection of our community’s Gold Star Families and their fallen Heroes.
At the center of this tribute is the most distinct feature of the monument, the cut out which represents the Loved One who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of Freedom.
One of the keynote speakers at the dedication ceremony will be Medal of Honor Recipient CWO4 Hershel “Woody” Williams who heads up the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument movement and the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation.
It is through Woody’s vision of honoring and paying tribute to these Gold Star Families “for their sacrifice of one of their loved ones” is becoming a reality in Mansfield.
Also speaking will be Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Major General Deborah Ashenhurst. Also, in attendance will be Gold Star Families. Please come out and pay tribute and honor our fallen and their loved ones.
A reception will follow at the First United Methodist Church located at 12 N. Diamond St.
For any additional information pertaining to the ceremony contact Jared Smith at 740-398-4584 or Mike Bailey at 419-565-2777.