A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in downtown Owensboro for the soon-to-be Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, with City and County officials expressing heartfelt appreciation for what they called a “long-awaited” moment.
It will be the City’s first monument dedicated to the families and loved ones of fallen war heroes.
Mayor Tom Watson said it was a special day for Owensboro, expressing gratitude toward those who supported the project along the way.
“After several months of planning and fundraising, our vision of installing this stunning monument on our riverfront is becoming a reality,” he said. “Today, we will break ground for a monument that will be dedicated to all families who have sacrificed a loved one for our freedom.”
The Gold Star Family Memorial was created by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams to remember those families who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. Over $60,000 was raised to go toward the Owensboro monument.
At Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony, local Gold Star mother Cathy Mullins sang the national anthem before joining Watson and Judge-Executive Al Mattingly for the groundbreaking.
Mullins’ 21-year-old son Brandon was killed in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan. The monument’s unveiling ceremony will take place on Aug. 25 — the same day Brandon lost his life nine years prior.
“Let us remind ourselves how lucky we are to be Americans, and the debt of gratitude we owe the military services and their families, the veterans who served — those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their own Gold Star families,” Watson said.
All four city commissioners were present at Thursday’s ceremony along with several City and County officials. Pam Smith-Wright, a longtime advocate for veterans, said the monument was a great fit for a city that supports its veterans.
“It’s an awesome day here in the city. It’s long overdue,” Smith-Wright said. “The Gold Star families should be recognized in some way, especially here in our community where we are so veteran-oriented. So it’s a perfect thing for Owensboro.”
Commissioner Larry Conder also acknowledged the importance of the monument, including its placement next to the Shelton Memorial.
“The greatest thing about having this Gold Star Monument here next to the one representing the individuals who served and died or are Missing in Action, is that this one honors those that are left behind, those who still grieve over the loss,” Conder said. “It gives them a place to come by, just like tombstones do at cemeteries, to remember those they’ve lost.”
The monument will be located at 99 W. Veterans Blvd. with a view of the Ohio River and the Glover Cary Bridge in direct sight. The grassy space was formerly used for special events such as wedding ceremonies. City officials have acknowledged the significance of the location, as their goal was to provide a beautiful setting for the monument honoring Owensboro’s Gold Star families.
“I think it’ll be the most beautiful Gold Star Families Monument in America,” Watson said.
