On the drive from the Glade Resort to the airport, we stopped at the State Capitol in Charleston WV to watch the dedication of yet another Gold Star Families Memorial. There was a large crowd, comprised of Gold Star Families, Veterans Organizations, Military members, and passersby. Even though the heat was a bit oppressive, no one broke away while we waited for the guest of honor to appear.
Arriving in a motorcade escort of police and various veteran
riders’ groups, World War II Medal of Honor Recipient and hometown boy Woody
Williams appeared. As usual, he greeted
the crowd enthusiastically, shaking hands and signing autographs along the way.
All of the main participants had to be
moved to a tent as the heat in front of the monument was getting to be a bit
much. Nonetheless, the program started! It was a particularly moving event, as the
speakers and some of the Gold Star Family members shared their stories. I was certainly moved and I’m glad we stopped
in to be a part of this great event.
The Woody Williams Foundation goal is to establish these memorials
in communities throughout the country.
To date, there are 86 memorials spanning all 50 states. According to Woody, this particular memorial,
sitting in a place of honor on the Capitol grounds, is the largest of all the
monuments. Since this is Woody’s home state,
why shouldn’t it be! To learn more about
the Foundation, visit www.WoodyWilliams.org.
After the event, Commander Elkins drove us to the airport
where Mama and I continued our journey home.
This was such a peaceful way to cap off a great week with veterans in
West Virginia!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.