By Andrea Cordle
Southwest Editor
Here, (left to right) Jeff Shipley, Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage, Hershel “Woody” Williams, Chris White and John Darnell help unveil the rendering of the Grove City Gold Star Memorial Monument after a ceremony at the American Legion.
Hershel “Woody” Williams is the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient. As a young man, growing up in West Virginia, Williams delivered Western Union telegram death notices to families who lost a loved one in battle. All his experience made him dream of somehow paying tribute to those families.
Williams is the founder of the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. The foundation raises funds for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. This monument pays homage to the families of United States Armed Forces members who have sacrificed their lives.
A Gold Star Memorial Monument is coming to Grove City. Williams visited the city in late October to unveil a rendering of the local monument at the American Legion.
Grove City Division of Police officers John Darnell and Chris White are honorary board members of the foundation. They have spearheaded the project to build the memorial in Grove City.
“The idea is to show community support and gratitude,” said Darnell.
The state of Ohio has one partial monument, but Grove City’s would be the first complete memorial in the state.
“It is my personal goal to have one in every community willing to do it,” said Williams.
According to Darnell, the local community has rallied behind this project, raising $20,000 so far.
The memorial is seven feet tall and 14 feet in length. So the question was, where to put it?
At a recent meeting, Grove City Council approved a resolution to support the memorial monument at the corner of Broadway and Columbus Street. But not all council members were on board with that location.
At previous meetings, council members had discussed building the memorial at Henceroth Park, which already has a military theme. There are also memorials at that location honoring local servicemen who lost their lives in battle.
According to Darnell, the Gold Star families wanted the memorial to be more visible.
“Henceroth Park is an excellent place for reflection,” said Darnell. “But this is not a remembrance.”
Darnell said the families want the memorial in the downtown area, where there are events that draw in foot traffic, like Arts in the Alley and the Grove City Farmer’s Market.
Councilman Steve Bennett was the lone vote against the location.
“I have the utmost respect for veterans and their families, but this is a business area,” said Bennett.
The councilman said not only could the monument result in the potential loss of commerce, it could be a driving distraction.
“This is a high-traffic area,” said Bennett. “You should be able to go up and see it, not blow by it in a car.”
Darnell said, as a police officer, he is well aware of the dangers of distracted driving, but he does not see the monument as being a danger.
“The monument would be less of a distraction for drivers than what device is with them.”
Councilwoman Maria Klemack-McGraw voted in favor of the memorial on Broadway, but said she too was not 100 percent certain that corner was the best place for it.
Others city leaders believe the memorial at Broadway and Columbus Street will be an asset to the community.
“It will enhance walkability and it creates a curiosity; a nice place to sit and rest,” said councilwoman Laura Lanese.
Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage said, “This will be the vista we want to create. It will be a heck of an eye-catcher.”
For those who would like more information on the Grove City Gold Star Families Memorial Monument or would like to donate, visit www.hwwmohfoundation.org/grove-city.html.
