Rockford dedicated a new Gold Star Memorial to honor military families at Garden Club Park.
ROCKFORD, Mich. — Rockford honored families who lost loved ones in military service with the dedication of a new Gold Star Memorial at the city’s renovated Garden Club Park on Saturday.
The ceremony featured bagpipes, a color guard and the presentation of flowers to Gold Star families.
The memorial sits next to the Blue Star Memorial, which was placed in 2018, and is part of the park’s newly renovated plaza with benches, decorative paving and landscaped areas.
Debby Nelson, a Garden Club member, said the memorial and the park renovations bring beauty and meaning to the community.
“We were planning a garden. And since we’re the Garden Club, we brought all kinds of things here that make it look more beautiful,” she said.
Ginny Martin, also a member of the Garden Club, reflected on the club’s long history and the significance of events like this.
“We’re very proud about that. We had a big parade last year, and we had a wonderful float filled with flowers to celebrate.”
Retired Navy Captain Thom Burke, who served 31 years and was the ceremony’s keynote speaker, said events like this are important reminders for the community.
“With these kinds of events, I just can’t turn them down,” said Burke. “They’re important reminders for folks who never served, or really don’t know anyone who did. It helps remind us all of the importance of our military and their families.”
Burke said about 1,500 people attended the event from all around.
“It’s great to see that,” he said. “A very nice mix, perfect day.”
Nelson added how meaningful it was to see the community come together.
“I feel wonderful seeing all these people come, little kids and big kids, to honor those who were killed in the wars,” she said.
The Gold Star Memorial now stands as a permanent tribute in Garden Club Park, honoring the service and sacrifice of military families while providing a space for reflection and community connection.
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