After building a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in West Virginia, the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation set out to establish a monument in all 50 states. The Boys Preparatory Academy at Franklin Middle School is home to the ONLY Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in the state of Florida. The Monuments provide a place of permanence for Gold Star Families to gather honor their fallen Loved Ones.

The monuments are intended to achieve the following goals:

• Demonstrate to Gold Star Families that their community cares for them and appreciates their sacrifice while also honoring the ultimate sacrifice paid by their Loved Ones
• Establish local Gold Star Family communities and strengthen the community within itself through Gold Star Family outreach events associated with each monument location
• Educate the general public about Gold Star Families’ enduring sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice made by their Loved Ones

This stunning black granite monument features two sides. One side bears the words: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrifice a Loved One for our Freedom. The other side tells a story through the four granite panels: Homeland, Family, Patriot and Sacrifice. The scenes on each panel are a reflection of each community's Gold Star Families and their fallen Heroes. At the center of this tribute is a silhouette of the Loved One who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of Freedom.