? A groundbreaking was held at Lasdon Park in Somers Sunday for a unique monument that will honor Gold Star Mothers.

Construction on the monument will officially begin over the summer. The seven-foot, granite structure will honor women who have lost children in combat. Beatrice Duffy was on hand for the event. Her son, who was in the Navy, died almost 37 years ago in Vietnam. She is eagerly awaiting the project?s completion.

Recently, the national organization garnered negative press when it denied membership to two local women because they were not U.S. citizens. After months of battling, the Gold Star Mothers changed the citizenship requirement. Many other Gold Star Mothers and lawmakers say the decision was right and they believe building a memorial for all of these mothers is long overdue.