Gold Star Monument dedicated at Veterans Memorial Garden

On Wednesday, October 8, the Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club hosted a dedication ceremony to honor the installation of a Gold Star Monument at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Branson. 

The Gold Star Monument is a tribute to the families of courageous individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. The nonprofit Gold Star Families organization was created in support of such families, named for the custom dating back to 1917 of service members’ families hanging a banner in the window of their homes. These “service flags” had a Blue Star for each living service member in the family, and a Gold Star represented those who had lost their lives. 

Now, National Garden Clubs work with Gold Star families to honor these fallen heroes with markers across the United States. There are currently 12 such markers in Missouri, symbols of gratitude and remembrance dedicated not only to the fallen, but also to the families whose lives have been forever changed. The monuments offer a place for reflection, unity and healing, and are a physical testament to the resilience and strength of these families. 

Tuesday’s ceremony in Branson opened with a welcome by Nancy Leahy, President of the Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club, and the presentation of the colors by Branson Veterans of America 913. Club Chaplain Maureen Walsh gave the invocation, and the National Anthem was presented by Branson vocalist Jana King Evans, who serves as administrator for the Memorial Garden, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Leahy introduced local officials and special guests in attendance, including Jack Herschend, who with his wife, Sherry, helped Branson veteran Ben Kinel to make the Garden a reality by providing use of the land it now occupies. Sheila Beucher, Blue and Gold Star co-chair for the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, then gave a brief history of the memorial markers. 

Keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony was Robert Wake, executive director of the Wake Foundation. A veteran of the Iraq conflict, Wake shared his experiences as a Purple Heart recipient, including a lengthy hospitalization. He also shared stories of personal friends who lost their lives and his respect for their families. Upon retiring in 2010, he committed himself to helping Missouri veterans get the resources and services they need. He shared a touching moment when Vietnam veterans, many of whom did not receive a positive welcome after the war, lined the streets to welcome Iraq veterans home. The Wake Foundation helps take veterans on Honor Flights, including World War II veterans of whom only about 60,000 are still living. He thanked the Gold Star families present at the ceremony, stating, “We all have freedom to do what we do because of these family members.” 

Tanya Stanley, President of the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, presided over the unveiling of the memorial marker by Nancy Leahy, with an acceptance and thank-you from Jana Evans. Evans then invited Jack Herschend to join her in placement of the Memorial Wreath. 

“This Garden has come together through generous donations and tireless volunteers,” said Evans. In addition to the Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club members, several local veterans’ groups, Master Gardeners, and many individuals, youth groups and civic organizations help regularly. This brings the community together in unity and appreciation for those who have given so much for our country. Visithttps://www.veteransmemorialgarden.org to see how you can get involved by donating or volunteering, occasionally or regularly—all are appreciated. 

The ceremony closed with a moment of silence followed by a rifle volley by BVA 913 and Taps played by Sgt. Major (Ret.) Bob Smithers. 

Plan to stop by the garden soon, to see the memorial and enjoy the beauty, while spending time in prayer and reflection on the strength, courage and enduring legacy of those who have protected our freedom and their families who inspire us.