June 05 2019
Robert Bradfield | WHAS11
CRESTWOOD, Ky. — (WHAS11)- At the Veterans Memorial Park in Crestwood, Kentucky a dedication for the families of the deceased - a tribute to Gold Star families (relatives of US military members who died in battle.)
"I want to thank every one of you for making the time and effort to come," said Woody Williams.
It was groundbreaking for the families experiencing a heartbreaking loss. "It's going to be a place for those Gold Star families if they wish to come and meditate and remember," Williams said.
Lynn Romans is a Gold Star mother. Her son Darrin Potter died in Baghdad in 2003. Darrin was the first Kentucky Army National Guardsman to die in action since Vietnam. "Gold Stars weren't talked about. They weren't recognized or people really didn't know about it. So, the education along with the building of this monument is really important," she told WHAS11.
Marine Corporal Woody Williams was the guest of honor. He's the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.
"Lots of folks here who have love of their country and those particularly who have sacrificed a loved one. It not only has a meaning to me, but I think it has more of an in-depth meaning to them," he said.
It's been his mission since 2013 to build Gold Star memorials across the country. In those six years, 47 monuments were dedicated in 42 states with 61 in progress. At 96, Woody says he doesn't have any plans on slowing down. "They are the ones who made this terrible, ultimate, final sacrifice," Williams said.