Saturday June 14, 2025, the National Garden Clubs, Inc., Oklahoma Garden Clubs, Inc., Cushing Gladiolus Garden Club, City of Stroud, American Legion Post 257, and State Representative Jim Shaw were part of a dedication ceremony in the Ed Smalley Centennial Park along historic Route 66. The unveiled plaque marks the first Gold Star Memorial in the state of Oklahoma. It adds to the Bugle Boy Statue, the dedication markers and the Blue Star Marker already in place creating a unique and valuable landmark to Stroud in remembrance of those who served and those who gave their all.
Although rain threatened, spirits of those attending could not be dampened.
Participants in the ceremony included musical renditions by Micelle Witson, Pledge of Allegiance led by Sus Lovelace, Invocation by Pastor James Bond, First Baptist Church, Stroud, Benediction by Reverand Ronnie Jacobs, Jesus Baptist Church of Stroud, Emeri Bradley playing Taps, and Linda Smith introduced the guests and speakers.
Guests and speakers included Erin Bradley, Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Jim Shaw (Dist. 32), Melanie Spence of Oklahoma Garden Clubs, Inc. The history of the Gold Star Markers and the National Garden Clubs was given in three segments by Mary Early, Mila Willaims, Charlotte Sims. The unique history of the Bugle Boy sculpture was shared by Kalah Summers.
Other important supporters of the event were Stroud Legion Commander Michael Horwath, the Ed Smalley family, Beverly Thomas, Bonnie Trammel, , NGC Schools Attendees, American Legon Post 257, Oklahoma State University ROTC, and the City of Stroud.
The military was represented by the color guard from the Oklahoma State University ROTC, unveiling of the markers and floral tribute was by members of the American Legion Post of Stroud, Post 257. The floral tribute was presented by Delmer Summers, 3rd Class Gunners Mate, U.S. Navy; Dedication of the marker was by Dan Grotts, Veteran U.S. Air Force a military tribute address was presented by Captain Dustin Gabbert, Assistant Professor, Military Science, OSU (Oklahoma National Guard; Iraq and Kuwait).
The marker was accepted on behalf of the City of Stroud by City Manager, Bob Pearman.
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