Permanent Exhibit

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

A Gold Star Family member can be any relatives who have sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom. The Memorial was created by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody" Williams to remember those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

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The Greatness and Goodness of America

Ronald Reagan believed fervently in the greatness and goodness of America, and he knew that American strength was central to world peace. Nothing made him prouder than being Commander in Chief. You could actually see in his face how much it meant to receive – and return – a salute. He felt a special bond with the men and women in uniform, especially the young people from the small towns across America. That they were willing to risk their lives for their country never ceased to amaze and humble President Reagan.

Ronald Reagan Gold Star Families Funeral

"Honoring their commitment and devotion to duty and country."

In 1984, while speaking at Memorial Day ceremonies honoring an unknown serviceman of the Vietnam Conflict, President Reagan remarked:

“We can be worthy of the values and ideals for which our sons sacrificed -- worthy of their courage in the face of a fear that few of us will ever experience -- by honoring their commitment and devotion to duty and country.”

Never Forgotten

To honor the values and ideals for which our country’s sons and daughters sacrificed, to honor their commitment to duty and country, to thank them for their service and our freedom, and to make sure that they are never, ever, forgotten, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California is honored to be installing a new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (GSFMM) honoring the families of servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 12, 2018.

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Remembering Families Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

The Hershel Woody Williams Congressional Medal of Honor Education Foundation, Inc. was established in 2010 and is a charitable 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that pursues specific endeavors and goals through the vision of Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams. The Foundation encourages, with the assistance of the American public and community leaders, establishing permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the country and provides scholarships to eligible Gold Star Children. Its' purpose is to honor Gold Star Families, relatives, and Gold Star Children who have sacrificed a loved one in the service of their country.

A Gold Star Family member can be any relative: mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, adoptive or foster parents, wife, husband, child, stepchild, adopted child, brothers, sisters, half brothers or sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces or nephews who have sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom.

The Gold Star Family Memorial was created by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody" Williams to remember those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. To learn more about the memorial, please visit our Gold Star Families Memorial Monument web page.