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Lexington’s own Gold Star Memorial, located in Jordans Point Park, was officially unveiled Sunday, which was, appropriately, Gold Star Family Day.
The monument commemorates those who have lost a loved one in military service.
For the Rockbridge area, this includes the families of Capt. Andrew “Drew” Ross and Lt. Stephen Chase Prasnicki, Rockbridge County High School graduates who were killed in military service in Afghanistan.
Sarah Ross-Geisen spoke at the dedication, thanking the community for its support.
“I stand before you today as the Gold Star sister of Capt. Andrew Ross, affectionately known as Drew. Drew was a son, a brother, a husband, a friend, and a shining example of selflessness and bravery,” she said.
“He was a product of this community, born and raised here in Lexington. He loved this town and its people so very much. His heart was deeply rooted in the soil of this community and he carried the values of Lexington with him throughout his service.”
She also remembered Prasnicki, and his influence on both her brother and Lexington.
“We also remember another hero from our community, Lt. Steven Chase Prasnicki,” she said. “Chase was a great friend to my brother. Chase and Drew were cut from the same cloth, two honorable men who dedicated their lives to duty, honor, and country. The memory of their sacrifice lives on in the fabric of this community.”
Ross-Geisen hopes that the memorial will stand as a reminder, not only of loss, but of the strength of community and an opportunity for gratitude.
“As we unveil this Gold Star Memorial today, let us remember that it stands not only as a symbol of sacrifice, but also as a symbol of resilience and unity. It is a testament to the enduring sprit of our service members, and the unbreakable bond of our Gold Star families,” she told those gathered.
“Let us carry the memory of Drew, Chase, and all those we have lost in our hearts, knowing that their sacrifices will never be in vain,” she continued. “Let us pledge to honor the legacy of those we’re lost by uplifting and supporting one another. The spirit of service and sacrifice lives on in our hearts and in the hearts of generations to come.” Jaden Keuhner, the Washington and Lee senior who proposed and led this project, also spoke at the event.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped us accomplish our goal, of bringing the 128th Gold Star Memorial to Lexington, Virginia,” he said. “Without your help, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”
When the idea was first brought before City Council in the spring, some area residents expressed concerns about the size of the memorial and its proposed placement in Jordans Point Park.
However, after some discussion and the creation of a mockup of the memorial on the proposed site, the project was allowed to move ahead.
The community came together in support of the project, according to Keuhner, who thanked those who had donated to the effort, noting how quickly funds were raised.
“At the beginning of this year, I asked my father if it would be possible to bring a Gold Star Memorial to Lexington. He told me it would be a lot of work,” he said. “We took our first donation of $100 from on March 13. One hundred ninetyfour days later, we’re standing here today.”
Fundraising for the $60,000 project was completed in 89 days.
He thanked service members and families, for both inspiring and trusting him with this project.
“To the Gold Star families, thank you for believing, and for trusting me. You inspire me: you inspire me to do more, you inspire me to never give up,” he said.
“I know it’s Memorial Day every day for you, and I wish I could take the pain and sorrow away but we all know I can’t do that. What we can do, together as a community, and as a nation, is never forget all of those who have sacrificed for our freedom.”
