The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was revealed and dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at the Forks Transit Center, 551 S. Forks Avenue. Fundraising for the project was originally done under the umbrella of Forks VFW Post 9106. With the recent closing of that Post the remaining funds, that were earmarked for lighting, were transferred over to the Forks American Legion Post #106.

When COVID happened the lighting part of the project was put on hold but recently Joe Wright, Forks American Legion member, and Forks Police Chief Mike Rowley, also a veteran, and an original GSFMM committee member, got to work to get the lighting ordered and it was installed last week, with the help of the City of Forks Public Works Department.

The original cost of the entire project was over $90,000. The Gold Star Family Memorial was created by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams to remember those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Woody attended the dedication ceremony in Forks in 2019.

Williams recently died at the Hershel “Woody” Williams Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia, on June 29, 2022, at the age of 98. He was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II.

Gold Star Family members and relatives are those who have sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom.

The new lighting not only lights up the monument but will also add some extra security at the Transit Center property.