The History:
This project began in July 2025, when Maryland Gold Star Mother Julie El-Taher presented the idea to American Legion Post 168 and AMVETS Post 7. She then proposed placing the monument in Thurmont Memorial Park to the Thurmont commissioners. All were supportive of the idea. Julie enlisted the help of her Lions Club with fundraising and later reached out to the Woody Williams Foundation. She also began forming a fundraising committee. Within nine months, the collective group had raised all the funds needed for the monument. The paving company installed the foundation at a discounted cost, a crane service donated its services to place the monument, and the Town of Thurmont installed lighting and a sidewalk.
The Dedication:
A beautiful dedication ceremony was held on September 27. Bruce Pope sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Senator Folden and Tim Schumaker, CEO of Woody Williams, spoke. The American Legion honor guard presented the flags, Scout Troop 270 raised them, and a remembrance ceremony was held. The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps and a 21-gun salute. Theresa Karlson, president of Maryland Gold Star Mothers, offered her congratulations on a job well done to honor and remember our fallen. Gold Star Mothers Janice Chance and Paula Davis were also in attendance.
