The city of St. George is preparing to erect a memorial downtown to honor families whose loved ones were killed while serving in the military.
The Gold Star Families Foundation is a nationwide organization that recognizes military families and their lost loved ones. Like a similar building in Ogden, this monument to the Gold Star Families is said to be located in the center of the city on the historic town square. It is supported by two nonprofits, the Woody Williams Foundation and the Major Brent Taylor Foundation.
Jennie Taylor, founder of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, worked closely with the St. George committee to provide insight into the project.
“It’s in the middle of the city where hundreds of people go every day. This is a memorial that anyone can see, ”said Taylor.
Taylor is the widow of former North Ogden Mayor and Utah National Guard member Brent Taylor, who was killed on November 3, 2018 while serving in Afghanistan.
More:On Veterans Day, Jennie Taylor says the price of freedom is always worth it.
The memorial does not have individual names, but rather a soldier who salutes in its midst to recognize all the families who had members of the military, living or deceased. Each Gold Star Family memorial is designed similarly, but offers space to make each memorial unique to its region.
The project is expected to cost around $ 58,000 and is slated to be completed before Veterans Day.
“We have an ambitious goal to raise enough money for Veterans Day,” said David Cordero, St. George City’s director of communications and marketing.
Although the construction of the actual monument may be a few months away, the groundbreaking is scheduled for May 18th at 11 a.m. in the historic town square, which has a large flag on it. The city has a special committee for this project and two local Gold Star families are involved in the planning.
Taylor, who is helping with the project, said she wanted it to be more than just a memorial. “I hope it starts conversations and gives families a sense of healing,” said Taylor.
The former mayor of St. George, John Pike, started the project and turned to the organizations that make these monuments a reality. Current Mayor Michelle Randall is continuing the project.
The St. George Gold Star Families Memorial is expected to be part of several monuments to be erected across the country. Taylor said there are now close to 70 and about that many remain to be built.
The City of St. George is soliciting donations for the construction of this monument. Officials hope to raise enough money to make it a double celebration before Veterans Day. “No donation is too small,” said Cordero.
With six military branches and for those who want a “skin in the game”, Cordero recommends a donation of US $ 6.
“It is a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate price,” said Cordero.
Comments are closed.