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Love Is in the Air ~ Florida Style

by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian
ohn 15:13 Greater love has no one than Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last surviving WWII Medal of
this: to lay down one’s life for one’s Honor recipient from Iwo Jima (until his passing in 2022), single-
Jfriends. A veteran is someone who, at handedly clearing enemy pillboxes to enable his company’s advance.
one point in his life, wrote a blank check made Woody founded the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
payable 'To My Country' for an amount "up to program after a monument in his home state of West Virginia was
and including my life." completed. Why stop here he thought?
It’s called honor, and too many people no The Woody Williams Foundation has installed 153 such
longer understand its meaning. These individuals are driven monuments nationwide, with several in Florida (including
by a greater purpose and are the backbone of our country's Tampa—dedicated in October 2025, Pensacola, Bushnell, Orlando,
defense. The underpinnings of their resilience, courage, and Melbourne, Pasco County, Palmetto Bay, and others). As of
unwavering dedication, comes from their families and no one December 2025, the Naples project does not have the formal site
has given more to this nation than the families of the fallen. at Cambier Park approved, yet fundraising is ongoing for the
construction. Mayor Teresa Heitmann expressed strong support,
America250FL
when she presented a proclamation during the Gold Star Families
The tradition of honoring Gold Star families traces back to
Memorial Ride in April 2025. Cambier Park’s existing veterans
the aftermath of World War I. In 1929, Congress authorized
memorials provide a serene, central setting for gatherings and
government-funded pilgrimages for mothers and widows to
reflection
visit overseas graves. In February 1930, First Lady Lou Henry
Local efforts are driven by Operation Vet Help, a 501(c)(3)
Hoover drew the first envelope to begin these sacred journeys.
dedicated to supporting veterans and providing public education,
Over the next three years, nearly 6,700 women made the trip—a
with Golda Trantham serving as president and honorary board
profound act of national gratitude unmatched in history.
member for the project. Collier County committee members include
In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the last
Rose and Frank Granese, Joe Easterly, Carroll “Spider” Trantham,
Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. In 2011, it
and Beth Haely (GSM).
expanded to “Gold Star Mother’s and Families Day” to include
To contribute—whether small or large—visit WoodyWilliams.
all relatives who bear this profound loss.
org and follow the Monuments link to donate. Your support helps
As we approach the new year, with the promise of 2026 and
ensure this lasting tribute becomes reality, honoring Gold Star
America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, it’s a fitting time
Families while aligning with America250’s call to celebrate service
to reflect on sacrifice, service, and the enduring bonds that hold
and sacrifice.
our republic together. The semiquincentennial celebration invites
Let’s Go Collier
every Floridian—and every resident of Collier County—to honor
America250FL calls on each county and community in the
our shared history and the unique contributions our community
great state of Florida to create meaningful events and programs that
has made to the story of freedom. (Visit America250FL.com)
highlight local ties to our nation’s founding and enduring values—
Gold Star Families Memorial in Cambier Park
especially patriotism, service, and veteran honor. In Collier County,
Cambier Park, in the heart of downtown Naples, already
our Commissioners, Mayors and Councils will call upon its citizens
hosts several meaningful memorials: the Veterans Memorial,
to maximize this unique opportunity by supporting a permanent
Vietnam Memorial, POW Memorial, and Sons of the American
tribute to those who paid the ultimate price as well as highlight
Revolution tribute. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
projects relative to their respective communities.
is looking forward to gaining approval at Cambier Park, which
The countdown to July 4, 2026, is on so let’s reflect on Collier
will create a powerful space for reflection and remembrance
County’s role in our nation’s past, and honor the contributions of our
alongside these existing tributes.
community, and look toward the future we want to create for the
These distinctive two-sided black granite monuments,
next generation and beyond.
inspired by Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” See Dr. Bolin on 239LIVE!
Williams, feature one side inscribed:
Podcast every Friday morning at 8 a.m.
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.
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