A monument now stands in Somers as a testament to mothers who have lost their children to war.

Westchester County officials unveiled a large piece of granite with a solitary gold star and a moving inscription to Gold Star Mothers over the weekend. The monument sits at the beginning of a trail of honor at Lasdon Park.

Carmen Palmer, whose son Marine Cpl. Bernard Gooden died in Iraq in 2003, said it's an honor that is hard to accept. "It's with mixed emotion. No one wants to have this, but on the other hand, I'm proud," Palmer said.

Ligaya Lagman's son, Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Lagman, was killed in Afghanistan in 2004. While Lagman said she is still mourning, she is comforted to know that his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

A stone recognizing the veterans of operation Iraqi Freedom will be placed in the park sometime around Independence Day.