The community is invited to see the new addition to Veterans Memorial Park
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 18, 2025) - Following our nation's longest war, American military members continue to serve in harm's way, like so many others before them. Military families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice join a unique union known as Gold Star Families.
Hillsborough County Consumer & Veteran Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to the dedication event for the new Gold Star Family Monument at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa, FL 33619.
The monument will be installed in front of the Veterans Resource Center with the ceremony held at the outdoor amphitheater a few steps away. The official dedication ceremony and unveiling will feature:
- Armwood High School JROTC Color Guard
- Rifle salute/taps
- Keynote speaker Annette Kirk, National President, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
- Refreshments and fellowship to follow ceremony and monument unveiling
The Veterans Council's Gold Star Monument Committee has worked tirelessly in partnership with the Woody Williams Foundation for the shared mission to honor and recognize Gold Star Families. Honoring the legacy of fallen loved ones, the templated monument is designed with four distinct panels allowing individual communities to illustrate Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice.
The Gold Star Family Monument Dedication event is free and open to the public. Attendees are invited to enjoy Veterans Memorial Park.
For more information about the event or Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, call Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services at (813) 635-8316 or visit HCFL.gov/Veterans.