Milwaukee Rotary – History
In 2016, Milwaukee Rotary and the Military Service Committee first discussed the possibility of dedicating a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Rotary’s home, the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. Many meetings later, and guidance from the War Memorial’s Vice President, Vicki Chappell – The monument has been approved and is planned for a July 2020 dedication at the beautiful Lake Michigan lakefront.
This initiative has truly been a perfect example of Rotary’s Connected relationships and bringing many together to improve a community.
Gold Star Families Memorial Monument – Purpose & History
The monument comprises four separate panels made of striking thick black granite and pays tribute to U.S. families that have lost a family member in military service. It provides a permanent location for these Gold Star Families and the community to gather, honor, and remember loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice – in all five branches of the U.S. armed forces.
A Veteran’s Vision
The monument was designed by 96-year old WWII Medal of Honor Recipient, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams. Woody served in Guam, Guadalcanal, and the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division. In 2014, at 90 years old, Woody founded the charitable 501(c)(3) organization which has dedicated national Gold Star Families Memorial monuments in 40 states.
Compassion Learned In Life
Before Woody joined the Marine Corps. in World War II, his job was to deliver Western Union telegrams informing families of the death of their loved one. After a year in this role, he noted: “recognition of the families of those lost in military service was very inadequate.”
The Monument’s Location
Facing south on the War Memorial Center’s north lot on the popular Oak Leaf Trail.
Other Milwaukee Contributors
In addition to Milwaukee Rotary and the Veterans Service Committee, Korb + Associates architectural firm has been instrumental in providing the design of the plaza and working with Gestra Engineering, Thornton Tomasetti developers, Pinnacle Engineering, and Nelson Schmidt marketing which are all providing free materials and services. These remarkably generous in-kind contributions represent over $35,000. Currently, the Bradley Foundation, Rockwell Automation, Baird, Michels Corporation, and others are reviewing participation.
Other Gold Star Families Memorial Monument locations include Pearl Harbor, multiple state capital grounds, Alaska, the Reagan Presidential Library, and planning Arlington National Cemetery.
Woody Williams
Hershel “Woody” Williams was born on a dairy farm on Oct 3, 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia.
After Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Guam, Guadalcanal, and the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division.
After World War II, Woody went on to serve as Chaplin of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for 30 years and trained horses in his native West Virginia.
During the Iwo Jima battle, Woody displayed “valiant devotion to duty” and service above self by taking out seven pill boxes with a flame thrower while under enemy fire for three hours and clearing a lane the iconic day the U.S. flag was raised on Mount Suribachi.
Woody’s actions, commitment to his fellow service members, and heroism were recognized on Oct 5, 1945, when he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House.
75th Anniversary End of World War II – Milwaukee War Memorial Center
Following the vision of the Milwaukee War Memorial Center’s new Executive Director, Dan Buttery, the monument dedication will be part of kicking off the War Memorial’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II which will showcase Milwaukee companies that engineered and provided materials, parts, supplies, and services supporting the 1940s Word War II effort.
Contributions
Milwaukee Rotary has generously committed to contributing $5,000 to the monument. The Wisconsin VFW, Milwaukee’s 128th Air Refueling Wing, and other groups are hosting fundraising campaigns. Individuals may contribute online at http://hwwmohf.org/monuments/milwaukee-wi.html.