Now for a relaxing change of pace from the evil and noisy proclamations we have been bombarded with for the last two and one-half years from the “goats” on the left. 

It has recently, within the last year or so, come to my attention that someone has come forward with a plan to recognize those “Gold Star Survivors” of military who have “given their all” for the United States of America that we older generations tend to love and cherish. 

Much more recently, I have received details of this program to have monuments to valiant family members (deprived of a loved one in as many places as local folks wish) to back up their desire with actions and donations.

Behind this program is CWO4 Hershel “Woody” Williams, USMC, retired, Medal of Honor Recipient, Iwo Jima and co-founder of the Medal of Honor Foundation bearing his name.  The foundation also offers scholarships to Gold Star Children; sponsors outreach programs and events; and educates communities about Gold Star Families and the sacrifice they have endured.

It has received the 501-C-3 tax position to receive donations tax deductible to the donors.

According to the flier from the foundation, as of December 2017, there were 30 monuments already dedicated and 52 in the progress of fund raising or construction located in 36 states. 

Most of these presently are in the East with only three completed west of the Mississippi River in Nebraska, Missouri, and Texas (with one each). 

A map shows 17 in progress in States west of the Mississippi River.

The foundation requires that each and every monument must adhere to the same plan and be inscribed the same way on the front, with optional inscriptions permitted on the back.  All are made from three black-granite slabs quarried in Italy, I’m told. 

All contributions are made to the foundation with statements as to which individual monument fund they are supporting.

A few years ago, an effort was begun, initially by the Tulsa Marine League, to have one in the Tulsa Metro area.  After the initial effort by Sgt. David T. Rule, (USAF 1965-1971, Jet Engine Mechanic, F-105 Okinawa and SR-71 Blackbird Beale AFB, California), a Gold Star son, the World War II Vets of Tulsa – now named All Veterans Association – took up the project.   He reported at the April 4 meeting that his efforts with the Tulsa City Council had received a seemingly favorable reception and that a resolution was in preparation for the signature of the mayor to designate a location for a memorial in the city.

He also furnished a copy of a proposed resolution stating that “the last Sunday in September is designated as ‘Gold Star Mother’s Day’ pursuant to Title 36 United States Code, Section 111…. and that the week of Sunday, September 22 through Saturday September 28, 2019, be designated as ‘Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.’” These are awaiting the signature of Mayor G.T. Bynum. 

These developments seem to be a great step forward from the reception he had received from the bureaucracy of the city government.

When a final and definite location is settled for the location of the memorial, from at least two presently in consideration, a full effort will be underway to finish the funding, estimated to require between fifty and sixty thousand dollars.

This seems to me a most worthy cause as it is the families of military casualties that have the continuing mixed feelings of loss and pride over their now missing member.