In a heartfelt tribute to one of America’s greatest heroes, a new phase of the Gold Star Families Memorial in Huntington, West Virginia, will be dedicated on October 2, 2024. This date marks what would have been the 101st birthday of Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient. His final wish—to honor the families of fallen service members—is being realized as the memorial expands to include military flagpoles and granite benches, continuing his legacy of remembrance.
A special ceremony, organized by the Woody Williams Foundation and Southside Preservation and Enhancement Alliance (SPEA), will feature the dedication of the new additions. The memorial was first unveiled on October 2, 2023, drawing a large crowd, including family members and supporters of Gold Star families, as well as special guests like U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and Congresswoman Carol Miller. Last year’s ceremony also saw performances from country music legend Lee Greenwood and Broadway’s Mark McVey.
The new phase of the memorial will be dedicated during a noon ceremony at the site, with Brent Casey, Williams’ grandson and co-owner of Valor Coins and Pins, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Gold Star families. “This was Woody’s wish—never to let their sacrifice be forgotten,” Casey said. “We’re proud to make it a reality, just as he would have wanted.”
Williams, a native of the Huntington area, spent much of his life after his military service working to ensure that Gold Star families across the country were honored and remembered. His efforts led to the creation of nearly 150 Gold Star Memorial monuments across the U.S., with dozens more still in progress. This particular memorial holds special significance, not only for being in Williams’ hometown but also for marking the final completion of a project he was passionate about.
Brent and his brother, Bryan Casey, who co-founded Valor Coins and Pins and the Woody Williams Foundation, have carried on their grandfather’s mission. Together, they’ve transformed Woody’s vision into a nationwide movement. Their challenge coin business, Valor Coins, supports not only the foundation but also other military-related causes, further cementing their dedication to honoring service members and their families.
This event is a profound reminder of the importance of remembering the families who bear the cost of freedom. As the final pieces of the Huntington memorial fall into place, Woody Williams’ legacy of gratitude and respect for Gold Star families will endure, continuing to inspire future generations.
The dedication ceremony on October 2 is expected to draw a significant crowd once again, honoring not just Woody Williams’ incredible life, but the ongoing sacrifices made by so many families in the name of service. For those in attendance, it promises to be an emotional moment, as flagpoles are raised and granite benches provide a place for quiet reflection—exactly what Woody Williams would have wanted.