Gold Star Memorial

A Gold Star family is a family that lost a loved one in the military. Most were killed in action; some are still missing. Other soldiers died later due to Agent Orange. There are war memorials all around the nation, but there wasn’t one for Gold Star families until Woody Williams created one. Memorials such as this mean the world to Gold Star families like mine. My father has been Missing in Action for 57 years. I was three years old when he disappeared. His aircraft went off the radar on a search and rescue mission. The aircraft and the four men in it were never recovered. My siblings and I have an incredible mother, our other hero. She taught us to be proud of our dad, and that’s what we are. However, we will always wonder what our lives would have been like if he had lived. I am forever grateful to Mr. Williams for remembering and honoring Gold Star families with his incredible memorials. It is so nice to have a place to go and honor my dad. There is a marker at Fort Rosecrans with his name on it, but he isn’t in it. That’s where my mom took us for many years growing up.

Woody Williams was an extraordinary man who was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. He died last year at the age of 98. Before serving in the military, Mr. Williams was a taxi driver for the Civilian Conservation Corporation. He often delivered telegrams to the families of fallen soldiers. He never forgot the anguish and deep pain these families suffered, finding out their loved ones were gone. Woody became a Marine at age 19. Knowing he never wanted the Gold Star families to be overlooked for their loss and sacrifice, he created a Gold Star Monument in his hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia. It was dedicated on his 90th birthday. After that, he realized every state should have one because the families also made a huge sacrifice, in addition to the service members. There are now over 134 of his memorials in all 50 states and Guam. With all the red tape, getting one into San Diego took five long years. Finally, this spectacular, moving monument was dedicated at the Miramar National Cemetery in 2023. Its striking design has a hole in it with the silhouette of a soldier. You can literally step through it. My family and I were very honored to be at the dedication last year with our Sons and Daughters in Touch organization, which is comprised of “kids” who lost their dads in Vietnam. My mom is 82 and was able to be there as well. My sister Laura led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. My brother and cousin were also in attendance. 

Please teach your children the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is much more than a day off and hot dogs. Raise your glass for a couple of clinks to the men and women who gave their lives for our country. We don’t want pity, but we do appreciate it when the sacrifices made for all of us are remembered. And please refrain from saying, “Happy Memorial Day.” It isn’t happy for all of us. Thank you for remembering.

Photos of Dad (above), family (below - left to right: Laura Torres (sister), Linda Shann (mom), me, my brother Ronald Philip Soucy Jr., and experiences courtesy of Joanne Rivera.