The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter, Inc members were invited by Mr. Robert Gillette, President of the Howard County Veterans Foundation (HCVF), and their board to attend a Groundbreaking Ceremony to kick off the construction of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument. The groundbreaking was held on June 12, 2025, at the Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park at the Columbia Lakefront. The monument will honor the selfless service and sacrifice of Howard County’s military veterans and their families. Theresa Karlson, Janice Chance, Paula Davis, Penny Flecker, and Donna Robinson represented the Maryland Chapter. Mrs. Jamie Gillette, HCVF Vice President was the Master of Ceremonies. Gold Star Mother Janice Chance gave the invocation. Remarks were given by Dr. Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive; Clarence Lam, Maryland State Senator; Shawn MacInnes, President Columbia Association; Kristi Smith, President Maryland Region Howard Hughes Holdings; Sean Keller, Chairman Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families, and Bill Swain, Commandant Marine Corps League, SSgt Karl G. Taylor, Sr. Detachment 1084. Closing remarks were given by Mr. Gillette. He expressed his thanks to all the supporters and guests for attending the ceremony. He stated, “After over 10 years of planning, designing and fundraising, we could not be more excited to begin building the monument.” The groundbreaking ceremony was a wonderful time of celebration and was well attended. The Maryland Chapter Mothers are committed to continuing their support for this very special project and are looking forward to attending the Dedication Ceremony.
