Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams is determined to build a monument to Gold Star Families, in all 50 states.
He will be in Corsicana to dedicate the Navarro County Gold Star monument at noon, Saturday May 15 on the historic Navarro County Courthouse lawn.
A Gourmet Reception and Program featuring Williams, the last living WWII Medal of Honor recipient, will share his story of fighting for 33 days on Iwo Jima in 1945.
Marine Corporal Hershel “Woody” Williams watched the American Flag being raised on Mount Suribachi before accepted the challenge of opening a lane for infantry and tanks through a network of Japanese reinforced-concrete pillboxes.
Williams always wondered why families who lost loved ones in battle or military service did not regularly receive public recognition for their sacrifices.
“We are blessed to a hero of Iwo Jima, Woody Williams come to our county and our courthouse,” said H.M.
“Navarro County has a rich and unique military history going back to the Texas Revolution,” said Woody Williams. “Navarro County had 33 servicemen lose their lives in World War II, 22 men killed in the Korean War, 19 killed in the Vietnam War, and 1 in the War on terror.
The purpose of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is to honor Gold Star Families, preserve the memory of the fallen, and stand as a stark reminder that Freedom is not free.
At the center of this tribute is the most distinct feature of the monument, the cut out which represents the Loved One who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of Freedom.