Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
1. Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Marker
This monument honors, recognizes, and serves Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The Homeland panel depicts images representing Shelby County, Kentucky, which is home to many Gold Star Families; it is our people, it is our family, it is our freedom.
The Family panel represents the uniquely brave spirit of our military families who provide support to their Loved Ones serving in our Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The Patriot panel shows the raising of the American Flag on Two Jima, which symbolizes those who vigorously support and defend our great Nation through selfless service in our Armed Forces.
The Sacrifice panel represents the sacrifices made by our Gold Star Families by the loss of their Loved One while in service to our country.
The silhouette of the saluting service member represents the Legacy of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
Erected by Shelby County, the City of Shelbyville, and
this page online
Topics and series. This monument and memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Gold Star Families series list.
Location. 38° 12.644′ N, 85° 12.963′ W. Monument is in Shelbyville, Kentucky, in Shelby County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 60) and 5th Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Location of the monument is at Veterans Memorial Park. The marker is at ground level. Touch for map. Monument is at or near this postal address: 500 Main St, Shelbyville KY 40065, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial monument is in Greater Louisville Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
2. Full Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. Marker is at ground level.
The four panels: Homeland, Family, Patriot, Sacrifice. The silhouetted soldier saluting represents the missing loved one.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial Park Sculpture (here, next to this marker); Shelby County WWI Honor Roll (a few steps from this marker); Elijah P. Marrs (a few steps from this marker); The Blockhouse / Martin's Raid (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial Park (a few steps from this marker); Shelbyville Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Founder Capt. William Shannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Shelby County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelbyville.
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
3. Reverse side of Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
A tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 31, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
