New Monument Dedicated to Honor Families of Local Fallen Soldiers
WKYT News Staff | WKYT
LEXINGTON, KY. (WKYT) - A new monument now stands in Lexington to honor those who lost their loved ones in military service
It was an emotional ceremony on Tuesday morning at Veterans Park on Lexington's south side as family members, public officials and community members gathered for the unveiling of a new monument dedicated to Gold Star Families. Gold Star Families are those who lost an immediate family member in the line of duty in military service.
The monument features a cut-out of a soldier and four black granite panels showcasing scenes related to veterans. Organizers say the memorial will help preserve the memory of local fallen soldiers and stand as a reminder that freedom is not free.
"It gives me chills just thinking about it now, to see how much it means to them not only that they are acknowledged, and their sacrifices are recognized, but more importantly the memory of their fallen hero won't be forgotten," said Chad Graham who is the president of the Hershel "Woody" Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. The foundation sponsored the project at Veterans Park.
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and Lieutenant Governor Jenean Hampton. Hampton served seven years in the military.
18 of these monuments have been dedicated nationally with more than 40 others still in progress. Lexington's Gold Star Memorial Monument is now open to the public.
The Williams Medal of Honor Foundation says it’s honored to have numerous Gold Star Family members attending the dedication.
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