An annual Memorial Day weekend tradition for the Portneuf Valley returns for its 22nd year. The Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial will begin Friday, May 22, and continue until Memorial Day, May 25, at Century High School’s soccer fields.
The Field of Heroes honors the men and women who died serving the United States in the Global War on Terrorism.
“This event means so much to our community because it’s a beautiful, solemn reminder of the price families have paid to protect our freedom. We honor the lives of the fallen, and thank their families and friends for their sacrifice,” said Bannock County Veteran Services Coordinator and event organizer Melissa Hartman.
This year, volunteers will place 7,086 markers in the field to represent each service member who died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. An additional 97 markers will represent the service members with an Idaho connection who have died since Sept. 11, 2001.
Volunteers are needed to help set up the field on May 18 through 21 and clean up on Tuesday, May 26. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at the field at 8 a.m.
The event will kick off with a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, May 22. The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day through the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
The annual Run to Remember is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Century High School’s track. Those interested can register at the track at 9 a.m. for a $10 donation to support the Memorial. The first participants to register will receive a free T-shirt and a goodie bag while supplies last.
Special meals will be prepared at the Liberty Snack Shack trailer at specific times listed in the schedule below. For a complete list of sponsors, visit www.idahofieldofheroes.com.
Full schedule of events:
Friday, May 22
10:00 a.m. – Dedication Ceremony
6:00 p.m. – Youth Ceremony
5 – 7 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
7:00 p.m. – Civil Air Patrol
Saturday, May 23
9:00 a.m. – Run to Remember
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
12-2:00 p.m. – Children’s Activities
2:00 p.m. – USO Show
3:30 p.m. – Stasia Acrobats
5 – 7 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
Sunday, May 24
4 – 7 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
5:00 p.m. – Special Musical Event with Shawn Barnby
8:00 p.m. – Silent Wounds Candlelight Vigil
Monday, May 25
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Liberty Snack Shack open
1:30 p.m. – “Retire with Respect” Flag Retirement Ceremony (POW*MIA Awareness Association)
5:15 p.m. – Thunder Run Tribute
5:30 p.m. – Closing Ceremony
