2013 Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial
Memorial Day Weekend 2013, May 24 - 27
at Century High School in
Pocatello Idaho
The Field of Heroes is a community volunteer project. The materials required for
its production are all donated or purchased with funds donated by the general
public. That includes everything from the wood, paint, lamination of the
plaques, lights, and portable toilets, to the metal connectors, signs and
additional needs. These volunteers include Veterans, Boy Scouts, and kids out of
school, professionals who take time from their workday to come out, housewives
and regular patriotic citizens. Other volunteers include local law enforcement
and members of the local National Guard and Reserve Units, many who have served
in Iraq and Afghanistan. Volunteers take time out of their busy lives and come
out in all kinds of weather to make the tribute perfect.
The Field of Heroes is a one of a kind tribute to every service member who has
died in Iraq or Afghanistan since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (now
Operation New Dawn) and Operation Enduring Freedom.
On Memorial Day weekend, the soccer fields at Century High School in Pocatello, Idaho are transformed into a temporary memorial in the spirit of famous national cemeteries such as Arlington National Cemetery which is located in Washington DC.
Each wooden marker is handmade, painted white and affixed with
the name, rank and the date of death of an American Service Member who paid the
ultimate price in the name of freedom.
The markers are then carefully spaced and
placed into the ground. Once the field has been constructed
it is then dedicated
as hallowed ground
and opened to the public
for those who wish to come and pay their respects.
We did not get to go on the Memorial Ground
as pets were not allowed
but a nice lady offered to take our picture
with Mom & Dad just outside the memorial
Mom and Dad then each took a turn visiting the Memorial
From Mom
It is hard to describe the power of this memorial
Although this is its 10th year,
this was the first time we made the trip across town to see it.
Stan & I decided to return Sat evening without the pugs
so we could take our time experiencing it together.
In front there was a special section for Idaho
two rows of larger crosses
each with the name, rank, age,
where killed, hometown and a picture
We went up and down the row pausing to read each one
before walking out into the rows and rows of crosses
Those who had been awarded the Medal of Honor
their story was displayed with their cross
The Price of Freedom
As Americans we hold the right to free speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, the right to be represented in government, the right to keep and bear arms, and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness above all else. The men and women who have fought and died in every war and conflict since we won our freedom, thought that the rights of others, the freedom of their children, and the right to choose their own fate, was far more important than their own lives. This is the price paid for your liberty, your freedom, and your way of life. Honor this gift because it is the Price of Freedom.
On this Memorial Day
we honor all those
(two and four legged)
that have fought and gave their lives
serving this country.
May God Bless America
We are the PugRanch Kids
Bailey, Hazel & Greta