Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

A Gold Star Family is the immediate family of a military member who lost their life in the line of duty. 

Provided by the Woody Williams Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Chesapeake, the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument establishes a dedicated public space in Chesapeake City Park where Gold Star Families can reflect and call their own in honor of their loved ones. The Gold Star Memorial helps demonstrate that the community cares and appreciates Gold Star families while also honoring the ultimate sacrifice of their Loved Ones.

Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments are a two-sided tribute made of black granite. One side bears the words: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom.

The other side tells a story through the four granite panels: Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice. At the center of this tribute is a silhouette of a saluting service member which represents the Legacy of the Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom. Together, these features tell each community's unique story based upon the Pillars of the Foundation.

The Chesapeake Mayor's Commission on Veterans Affairs hosted the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Dedication on May 28, 2023, in Chesapeake City Park. 

Monument Plaque

The monument's plaque reads as follows: 

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument 

This monument honors, recognizes, and serves Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

The Homeland panel depicts images representing the City of Chesapeake, which is home to many Gold Star Families; it is our people, it is our family, it is our freedom. The state of Virginia is rich with military history. The American flag and bald eagle represent freedom. The heron is the symbol of the City of Chesapeake.

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. We're in this together. We don't need to be family to be blood-related. We represent each other,we help each other, we hold each other accountable. We're Family.

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. To the men, women, and families who have raised their hand to serve our country, they've written a blank check for their lives, and for that we're ever grateful.

The silhouette of the saluting service member represents the Legacy of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

This monument is a project of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia Patriot Guard, The Beazley Foundation, and all the supporters in humble remembrance of our fallen heroes and in honor of our beloved Gold Star Families and Woody Williams Foundation.

Video

The Gold Star Memorial, located at Chesapeake City Park, honors Gold Star Families, relatives, and Gold Star Children who have sacrificed a loved one in the service of their country.

Photo Galleries

View images from the memorial's dedication.

View more images of the monument.