STURGIS, S.D. – A new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument honoring the families of servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military was unveiled in downtown Sturgis Wednesday night.
The new monument is located at Harley-Davidson Rally Point.
The memorial monument is a project that has been in the works during the past year.
Councilman Aaron Jordan and former City of Sturgis Rally and Events Director Jerry Cole are the honorary board members for the monument alongside several committee members.
South Dakota is the 49th state to have such a memorial.
The Gold Star Family Memorial was created by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams to remember those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
At Wednesday night’s presentation, Mayor Mark Carstensen delivered the news that “Woody” Williams had passed away at the age of 98.
“On the day the 49th memorial monument was unveiled, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient had passed,” Carstensen said.
Another ceremonial unveiling of the monument will take place during this year’s rally and an official dedication of the monument will take place sometime in August, following the rally.
