Apr 26 2020
Jim Cochran |The Intelligencer
A groundbreaking ceremony for a Marshall County Gold Star Monument will take place on June 29 on the west lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse in Moundsville.
The seven-member committee for Marshall County’s GSM made the announcement this past week after learning that the schedule of Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient in West Virginia, will enable him to be in attendance on that date.
Fund raising continues for this project, and half of the money needed for the undertaking has been received.
In addition to funds received, the committee has announced that some of the work is being donated by Savage Construction and Smith Concrete, thus reducing the original $55,000 cost figure somewhat.
Committee member Gay Rider said, “We would like this monument to be completely paid for by the citizens of our county. When we proposed this project to the county commission, we promised them they would not have to pay any money towards the cost of the monument, or its placement.”
Anyone who would like to donate to this project can send a check to HWWMOHF at 12123 Shelbyville Road, Suite 108 Louisville, KY 40243, or they can send their check to the Moundsville Public Library, 700 Fifth St., 24003, Moundsville in care of Gary Rider. The check is to be made out to the Foundation. Indicate on the check that the payment is for the Marshall County Gold Star Monument.
The foundation will send a statement to those donating so that the person or persons can use it for tax purposes.
As to the monument, it will be black granite with four panels. One side will bear the words: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom. The other side will tell a story dealing with homeland, family, patriot and sacrifice.
Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was initially established in West Virginia, however, once it was completed a new mission became clear, to establish these monuments in as many communities as possible in all 50 states.
Sixty monuments have been dedicated, with 70 still in progress. Forty-five states/countries have monuments.