Gold Star Families dedication ceremony reset for Jan. 31

A monument dedication ceremony for Lawton’s Gold Star Families monument has been postponed.

Organizers for the monument to families who have lost loved ones in military service to their country said they have rescheduled their dedication ceremony for Jan. 31, replacing a ceremony that had been expected this week. Brenda Spencer-Ragland, one of the coordinators, said the ceremony had to be postponed because of shipment issues. The monument is being shipped to Lawton from Idaho for placement along the southeast shoreline of Lake Helen in Elmer Thomas Park.

Work already has begun at that site, to include footings installed in preparation for placement of a 15,000-pound black granite monument that is 6-8 feet tall and 15 feet long.

“Transportation of the monument, 15,000 pounds, the weather and coordinating efforts are challenging, but the site is ready and we actually expect it to arrive early,” Spencer-Ragland said, adding the only expected change to the Jan. 31 dedication would occur due to inclement weather.

Organizers said the monument, supported by the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, is designed to help educate the public about the sacrifice Gold Star families have made, while also serving as a quite place for family to remember their loved ones, members of the U.S. military who died in service. The monument is comprised of panels citing Homeland, Family, Patriot and Sacrifice, with a cutout of a saluting military member standing between the Patriot and Sacrifice panels.