Love Is in the Air ~ Florida Style by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable ‘To My Country’ for an amount “up to and including my life.”

It’s called honor, and too many people no longer understand its meaning. These individuals are driven by a greater purpose and are the backbone of our country’s defense. The underpinnings of their resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication, comes from their families and no one has given more to this nation than the families of the fallen.

America250FL
The tradition of honoring Gold Star families traces back to the aftermath of World War I. In 1929, Congress authorized government-funded pilgrimages for mothers and widows to visit overseas graves. In February 1930, First Lady Lou Henry Hoover drew the first envelope to begin these sacred journeys. Over the next three years, nearly 6,700 women made the trip—a profound act of national gratitude unmatched in history.

In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. In 2011, it expanded to “Gold Star Mother’s and Families Day” to include all relatives who bear this profound loss.

As we approach the new year, with the promise of 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, it’s a fitting time to reflect on sacrifice, service, and the enduring bonds that hold our republic together. The semiquincentennial celebration invites every Floridian—and every resident of Collier County—to honor our shared history and the unique contributions our community has made to the story of freedom. (Visit America250FL.com)

Gold Star Families Memorial in Cambier Park
Cambier Park, in the heart of downtown Naples, already hosts several meaningful memorials: the Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, POW Memorial, and Sons of the American Revolution tribute. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is looking forward to gaining approval at Cambier Park, which will create a powerful space for reflection and remembrance alongside these existing tributes.

These distinctive two-sided black granite monuments, inspired by Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, feature one side inscribed: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument – A tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom. The reverse side includes four panels depicting Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice.

Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima (until his passing in 2022), singlehandedly clearing enemy pillboxes to enable his company’s advance. Woody founded the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument program after a monument in his home state of West Virginia was completed. Why stop here he thought?

The Woody Williams Foundation has installed 153 such monuments nationwide, with several in Florida (including Tampa—dedicated in October 2025, Pensacola, Bushnell, Orlando, Melbourne, Pasco County, Palmetto Bay, and others). As of December 2025, the Naples project does not have the formal site at Cambier Park approved, yet fundraising is ongoing for the construction. Mayor Teresa Heitmann expressed strong support, when she presented a proclamation during the Gold Star Families Memorial Ride in April 2025. Cambier Park’s existing veterans memorials provide a serene, central setting for gatherings and reflection

Local efforts are driven by Operation Vet Help, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting veterans and providing public education, with Golda Trantham serving as president and honorary board member for the project. Collier County committee members include Rose and Frank Granese, Joe Easterly, Carroll “Spider” Trantham, and Beth Haely (GSM).

To contribute—whether small or large—visit WoodyWilliams. org and follow the Monuments link to donate. Your support helps ensure this lasting tribute becomes reality, honoring Gold Star Families while aligning with America250’s call to celebrate service and sacrifice.

Let’s Go Collier
America250FL calls on each county and community in the great state of Florida to create meaningful events and programs that highlight local ties to our nation’s founding and enduring values—especially patriotism, service, and veteran honor. In Collier County, our Commissioners, Mayors and Councils will call upon its citizens to maximize this unique opportunity by supporting a permanent tribute to those who paid the ultimate price as well as highlight projects relative to their respective communities.

The countdown to July 4, 2026, is on so let’s reflect on Collier County’s role in our nation’s past, and honor the contributions of our community, and look toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

See Dr. Bolin on 239LIVE! Podcast every Friday morning at 8 a.m.