News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Crossville will unveil its new Gold Star Monument to honor veterans and their families on Saturday.
The monument will be placed at the Cumberland County Military Memorial Park. The Gold Star Family Memorial was created nationally by a Medal of Honor Recipient to remember those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Lead Organizer John Conor said he was inspired to bring a Gold Star Monument to Crossville by the county’s large veteran population.
“The one monument that our park did not have was a Gold Star Monument and I said to myself there’s no reason for that,” Conor said. “I mean in every war that we have been in, parents have lost children.”
Conor said he was attending a Gold Star unveiling in Mobile when he had the idea to bring one to Crossville. Conor said after researching and contacting other like-minded citizens, he was able to acquire the funding for the monument.
Saturday’s events begin at 10:30am. The opening will feature keynote speaker Cameron Sexton and will include the Cumberland County band playing songs for each service branch.
“I’m just glad that I could be part of bringing this monument to the community here in Crossville,” Conor said. “To show not only the residents of Cumberland County, but also to the nation, that we get it. That we understand your loss. We want this monument to be a tribute to your sacrifice.”
Conor said the monument shows younger generations that the sacrifice and courage of veterans is something to be revered.
“If we don’t show them that we value the service, how are they going to appreciate their wanting to serve,” Conor said.
