Jun 30 2022
Brian Hauswirth | Newscenter1
STURGIS, S.D.– The city of Sturgis has unveiled a new memorial at Rally Point Plaza, the first of its kind in the state.
The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is a double-sided piece of black granite, paying tribute to service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.
Designed by the Woody Williams Foundation — Sturgis city leaders and residents spent over a year to bring this addition to the city.
“We had a committee that worked on it with the arts council, local artists. Truly a community effort to get this done,” Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen said. “So, it is great when we can come together and see the final product.”
According to the mayor, many Gold Star families make trips across the nation to visit different monuments.
And while it is important for residents to understand the significance of service member’s sacrifices, the monument can also provide a sense of closure.
“That is the whole purpose behind it, is to show some gratitude to those people that gave up a family member,” Americanism Officer for the Sturgis American Legion Ken Sabers said. “You know, we have a lot of veterans stuff, and they talk about the veteran, but this is from the families of that veteran, that lost somebody. It is supposed to mean something for them and give them a little peace of mind.”
The city will also host an event during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, followed by a more formal dedication ceremony later in the month.