Springfield, IL Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
Dedicated in October 2025, the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (GSFMM) in Springfield, Illinois, is more than a structure—it is a community promise. It stands as a
perpetual tribute to the sacrifice of our Fallen Service Members and the Gold Star Families and Relatives who loved them.
A Sanctuary of Remembrance
This monument, an initiative of the Hershel “Woody" Williams Foundation, fulfills a vital purpose: to ensure that the ultimate sacrifice is never, ever forgotten. It
provides a dedicated space that Gold Star Families can truly call their own, a serene sanctuary where the community demonstrates its profound appreciation and care
for their sacrifice.
A Reverent Location
The community's choice of location underscores the monument's significance. Placed within the hallowed grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery, the resting place of President
Abraham Lincoln and the nation's second most-visited cemetery, the GSFMM joins a powerful assembly of state and national memorials.
The monument is specifically situated adjacent to:
- Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Illinois Korean War Memorial
- World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial
- World War I Sangamon County Veterans Memorial
- Purple Heart Memorial
This location ensures that the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is a focal point of reflection, tying the sacrifices of all eras together in one deeply patriotic landscape.
The Monument’s Powerful Story in Granite
Like others across the United States, the Springfield GSFMM is a two-sided tribute crafted from black granite, rich with moving symbolism:
- The front bears the foundational message: "Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives
who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom."
- The reverse side tells the narrative of this sacrifice through four distinct, etched panels:
- Homeland: Representing the community, state, and nation for which their loved one served.
- Family: Symbolizing the deep love and support of the Gold Star Family.
- Patriot: Honoring the service member’s vigorous support and defense of our country.
- Sacrifice: A solemn acknowledgement of the ultimate price paid for our liberty.
At the center, a striking silhouette of a saluting service member stands as a powerful symbol of the Legacy of the Loved Ones, forever honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
We invite all visitors to the Oak Ridge Cemetery to experience this meaningful and healing tribute, offering a quiet moment of reflection on the cost of our freedom and the strength of our Gold Star Families.
