EXPLORE
Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
The newest Memorial to be constructed in the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District since 1998.
The Indiana Gold Star Families Memorial Monument honors, recognizes, and serves Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice from their service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
Hours:
Open from dawn to dusk
Admission:
Free
Location:
Get directions
THE TERM “GOLD STAR FAMILY” originated during World War I when families displayed small banners with a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces. If their service member died while in service, the family replaced the blue star with a gold star to let the community know that their service member was killed in action.
Fast Facts
The Homeland panel depicts images representing Indiana, which is home to many Gold Star Families: it is our people, it is our family, it is our Freedom. The Indiana state flag, the Wabash River, covered bridges, round barns, cornfields, and state bird, the cardinal, all can be seen in the Hoosier state.
The Family panel represents the uniquely brave spirit of our Military families who provide support to their Loved Ones serving in our Armed Forces of the United States of America. The United States folded flag is presented to families for the Sacrifice of their Loved One & Honors the Survivors left behind.
The Patriot panel shows the raising of the American Flag on Iwo Jima, which symbolizes those who vigorously support and defend our great Nation through selfless service in our Armed Forces.
The Sacrifice panel represents the sacrifices made by our Gold Star Families by the loss of their Loved One while in service to our country. The Battlefield Cross signifies all who served beside their lost brother or sister in uniform.
The Silhouette cut-out represents a saluting service member to symbolize the void created by the loss and legacy of the Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The panels’ curvature of the monument has been strategically positioned at a slight angle so the servicemember silhouette cut-out is directly saluting the American flag.
The Indiana Gold Star Memorial Monument is the newest Memorial on the Indiana War Memorials properties.
The Indiana Gold Star nonprofit led the effort to build this memorial representing the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation.
The Gold Star Memorial Monument was dedicated in April of 2021.