STURGIS, S.D. – During their annual community appreciation picnic Wednesday evening, the city of Sturgis officially dedicated its Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.
An unveiling of the monument took place earlier this summer and during this year’s Military Appreciation Day at the Motorcycle Rally.
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.
The two-sided tribute made of black granite is the first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in South Dakota.
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.
Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen says on the day of the initial unveiling, June 29, Woody Williams passed away.
“On the day the 104th memorial monument was unveiled, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient had passed,” Carstensen said. “Woody was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient.”
Also speaking at the dedication event was Major General Jeffrey Marlette of the South Dakota National Guard.
“As I think about what we’re doing tonight, and I think about all the celebrations that take place here, and I think none of it could occur if it wasn’t for them and what they’ve given to us. They’ve given so much.”
Marlette also touched on the South Dakota photos that join the names on the monument.
“I think it so special that Sturgis is the first one to do this,” Marlette commented.
The Homeland panel of the monument has images that represent the Black Hills and western South Dakota, home to many Gold Star Families. The image includes Mount Rushmore, the hills above Sturgis, Bear Butte, and the Belle Fouche River, to represent the area near Sturgis. Pictures featured on the slab were provided by the late Bob Davis.
The Family panel represents the unique, brave spirits of military families that provide support to the loved ones serving in the Armed Forces. The images are military members and their families, representing all the branches of the military and the importance of families to the ones who serve.
The Service panel represents the sacrifices made by the lost Loved Ones of Gold Star Families. This one shows the Black Hills National Cemetery and the Fort Meade Veterans Administration Hospital, located near Sturgis, representing the service and sacrifice of military members and families protecting our liberty and freedom.
