INDIANAPOLIS — A new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (GSFMM) honoring the families of servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military is currently being planned in Indianapolis. The memorial dedication event is 1:30 p.m. May 1.
A Gold Star Family is the immediate family member of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict. The Gold Star designation came about during World War I, signifying the family’s pride in the loved one’s sacrifice. Many Gold Star families wear a Gold Star lapel pin or display a Gold Star banner.
Part of a national effort to recognize Gold Star families, there are currently 76 monuments dedicated throughout the United States, including one in Fishers.
As of this year, the U.S. has lost over 7,000 soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, with 261 coming from Indiana.
The Indiana Gold Star Families Memorial Monument will be located at the corner of St. Clair and Pennsylvania Street. It will become part of the American Legion Mall and will sit just north of the National American Legion Headquarters Building and across from the Indianapolis Public Library. The high-visibility site has more than 1.5 million vehicles that pass each year. There is plenty of street and handicap accessible parking available nearby. Close to the site is the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Minton-Capehart Federal Building, Scottish Rite Cathedral and the Indiana War Memorial.
To donate to the project, visit IndianaGoldStar.org
The unique building site and the memorial design has been approved by the Indiana War Memorial Commission and the State of Indiana. At the completion/dedication, the State of Indiana will own and maintain the Indiana Gold Star Families Memorial.
