The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter, Inc. members were invited by Mr. Robert Gillette, President of the Howard County Veterans Foundation (HCVF), and Wanda Riddle, Vice President and Vice Chair of The Howard County Veterans to attend a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the dedication of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument. The groundbreaking was held on May 14, 2026, 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, Stephanie White and Donna Robinson represented the Maryland Chapter. Mrs. Jamie Gillette, HCVF Vice President was the Master of Ceremonies. Some of the dignitaries giving remarks were Dr. Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive; Clarence Lam, Maryland State Senator;Shawn MacInnes, President and CEO Columbia Association; Kristi Smith, President Maryland Region Howard Hughes Holdings; and Robert Gillette, President and Board Chairman Howard County Veterans Foundation. Bill Swain, Commandant Marine Corps League Detachment 1084, raised the flag over the monument. Closing remarks were given by Mrs. Jamie Gillette. She expressed her thanks to all the supporters and guests for attending the ceremony. She stated, that “10 years ago, the idea for a veteran’s monument occurred. Our loss is not a footnote, the monument will be a place of healing”. The dedication ceremony was a wonderful time of celebration and was well attended. The completed monument recognizes and celebrates Howard County’s veterans and military families.
