A new monument in honor of Gold Star Families was unveiled on Sunday, September 24 at 1 pm at Antelope Park, 1650 Memorial Dr., in Lincoln. The monument was a gift to Nebraska in its Sesquicentennial year, honoring all families who have lost loved ones in the U.S. Armed Forces in the past 150 years.
Hershel “Woody” Williams, who helps to make these monuments possible, is the last living medal of honor recipient for his service at Iwo Jima. His foundation’s mission is to have a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in every state. The Nebraska monument was the 23rd to be dedicated. Williams spoke at the dedication.
“No one has sacrificed more for Nebraska in the past 150 years than our fallen military,” said Barbara Bartle, President of the Lincoln Community Foundation. “This monument is a beautiful tribute to honor the Gold Star Families who continue to endure their loss.”
The Nebraska Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was funded by Lincoln Community Foundation, Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, The City of Lincoln, The Clark Enersen Partners, Nebraska Gold Star Wives – Omaha Chapter, Rixstine Recognition and Sampson Construction Company, Inc.
The read about the symbolism of the monument, click here.