New benches dedicated at Gold Star Families monument on Woody Williams’ birthday

HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – National hero and West Virginia native the late Hershel “Woody” Woody Williams would have celebrated his 101st birthday on Wednesday, Oct. 2. To mark the occasion, the Gold Star Families Memorial in Huntington is seeing some new additions.

Four new granite benches and nine new trees were placed at the memorial for military families in Huntington. This Gold Star Monument was one of the WWII Medal of Honor Recipient’s last wishes before he passed away in June 2022.

“Woody would have been perfectly fine with Phase One – put in the monument and dedicate it to Gold Star Families. But, to have an additional phase with the flagpoles, and then an additional dedication today of the granite benches, it just makes it that much more special. Just the icing on the cake,” said Woody’s grandson Brent Casey.

Woody had a special place in his heart for Gold Star Families. As WWII began, he delivered telegrams informing families of the death of their loved ones.

During Wednesday’s ceremony, the colors were presented, followed by a program of honors and speakers.

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