‘THE CAUSE IS GREATER THAN I’
Gold Star Family Memorial – Frisco, TX
Honoring Families of the Fallen
BY SHANNON ROBINSON
On a sunny, breezy day in Frisco, Texas, a massive group of families, police officers, fire fighters, and veterans, spanning wars and lifetimes, poured into Frisco Commons Park to recognize the Fallen and the families they left behind.
The promenade to the park’s Veteran Memorial was lined with American flags, and veiled in black, the monument awaited dedication.
“What is a Gold Star Family? We define it as any family member who has had a loved one give their last full measure of devotion to their nation in military service.” Chuck Wright (USMC), and Honorary Board Member of the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument, Woody Williams Foundation, opened the dedication ceremony and played an active, significant role in bringing the Monument to Frisco.
The Woody Williams Foundation was founded by Hershel W. Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II who was commended for his courage at Iwo Jima. Through his foundation, Williams continues serving his country by erecting monuments across the country honoring Gold Star Families. To date, he has built 82 monuments with 77 more planned for the next year.
GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMORIAL - FRISCO, TEXAS
As Woody spoke, a pall of reverent silence descended over the crowd. “There is no substitute for freedom, a gift almost as precious as life itself. This memorial speaks of those values for itself. They will be remembered. Yet we know that this memorial will not ease the pain or the heartache or the grief, but perhaps it will give some peace and solace to those loved ones who sacrificed one of their most precious gifts: one of their own. Those we honor with this memorial said by their sacrifice ‘You may take my life, but you cannot take my freedom.’”
The monument, a sharp black granite, is unmissable against the green Spring grass. It has an unwavering presence, much like the rigid support and strength of the families it represents. The monument features the outline of a soldier standing in salute, but Frisco added one unique feature to their memorial; standing tall, a few feet away in the same striking granite, is another soldier returning the salute, representing Williams himself.
Williams’ formidable words ended with a recitation of The Gold Star Lament, a poem dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country—a poem that embodies the spirit of his foundation’s motto “The cause is greater than I.”
The dedication ceremony not only revealed a beautiful monument remembering the heroes who sacrifice their lives for our country and their families that live on with their memory, but it is a true reminder that freedom is not free.
Gold Star Lament
Author: Unknown
Our boy went off to war.
He said he wanted to go
To give many others
A freedom they don’t know.
I can tell that he loved America
And wanted to do what’s right.
Then we were all notified
That his duty to country and to fight
Had cost him, or them, their life.
We all knew the danger
But prayed that he’d be safe
Then we were notified
That he had met his fate.
We are so proud of what he did
And the sacrifice he gave.
We pray that our country
By his efforts will be saved.
And as we shed our tears of sorrow
We know he rests in peace
Having given all he had
To help wars of violence cease.
But he would say to us
“Be brave. Stand strong.
We’re all a part of America
Right where we belong.”
He’s standing guard in heaven
With all of his buddies near.
They sacrificed their lives,
So we could be safe here.
So let us all remember
What freedom really costs.
Never ever to forget the loved ones,
The many that were lost.