An artist's rendering shows the proposed Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in front of the Veterans Memorial Hall in Gridley. American Legion South Butte Post 210 is seeking community support for the approximately $30,000 project, which is awaiting county approval. Photo courtesy American Legion South Butte Post 210

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gold Star Families could soon have a permanent place of remembrance in Gridley, where American Legion South Butte Post 210 is pursuing plans for a memorial outside Veterans Memorial Hall.

The proposed Gold Star Families Memorial Monument would recognize local families whose loved ones died while serving in the U.S. military. The project is intended to create a permanent place where families, veterans and community members can gather to remember those who died in service.

Plans for the monument have been completed and submitted to Butte County for approval. Once approved, the project would move toward construction and installation.

Post 210 selected the Veterans Memorial Hall as the proposed location because of the building’s longstanding connection to local veterans and its role as a gathering place for the Gridley community. The Legion intends the monument to recognize fallen service members and the families who continue to carry the loss of their loved ones.

Gold Star Families include parents, spouses, children, siblings and other family members of military members who died while serving the nation. While memorials often focus on those who served, Post 210 organizers want the Gridley monument to also recognize the families affected by those deaths.

“This is about making sure Gold Star Families are never forgotten,” Post 210 Commander Owen Stiles said. “We want this monument to be a place where families can come to remember their loved ones and where the entire Gridley community can come together to honor their sacrifice.”

The monument also is intended to serve future generations by providing a visible reminder of the people and families connected to military service in the Gridley area.

The project is expected to cost approximately $30,000. American Legion South Butte Post 210 is seeking financial support from individuals, businesses, organizations and community members to help cover construction and installation costs.

As part of the fundraising effort, community members may purchase commemorative paver bricks that will accompany the memorial. Supporters also may make direct donations toward construction of the monument.

The Legion said community support will play a central role in bringing the project to completion. Organizers plan to provide additional information about fundraising opportunities, project developments and related events as the proposal moves through the county approval process.

For information about the project, purchasing a paver or making a contribution, contact Stiles at 530-306-4588 or [email protected].