“A living monument of the ultimate sacrifice” Field of Heroes Dedicated at Century Soccer Fields

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Starting on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m., the Century High School soccer fields are no longer for sports, but are a reverent sanctuary and monument for fallen military members and veterans through this Memorial Day weekend. The field was dedicated by community officials and Pastor Doug Smith with American Legion, Post 4 present to post the colors.

The Dedication Ceremony is just the beginning of activities this weekend at the Field of Heroes. It's not only a place to remember fallen veterans and walk through the 7,086 individual markers, but a place to celebrate hard-fought freedom and liberty.

"It ceases to be a sports field and it becomes a sanctuary, a memory, a landscape of gratitude and a living monument of the ultimate sacrifice," said Pastor Doug Smith in the dedication address. This year's program included musical performances by Hiedi Young and the reading of the Joint Federal Delegation Letter by Regional Director for Senator Mike Crapo, Farbana Hibbert.

"They put themselves between us and danger, and threats to our precious republic," Hibbert read in regards to the fallen soldiers. "They chose bravery and patriotism over their own safety."

Several veterans were present, including founder of the Field of Heroes, John Rogers. He was honored during the ceremony by Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser.

"We are pledged to never forget the bravery of those who fought for the freedoms of the United States of America," Moser said. "And to remember the families whose lives were forever changed."

Military families and Gold Star Families were also recognized at the ceremony. Moser officially declared the Field of Heroes 2026 open to the public. Family and community members decorated markers of loved ones, especially those with larger crosses in the Idaho losses section of the field.

Schedule of Activities

Friday, May 22

• 10 a.m. Dedication Ceremony
• 6 p.m. Youth Ceremony

Saturday, May 23

• 9 a.m. Run to Remember
• 12-2 p.m. Children's Activities
• 2 p.m. USO Show
• 3:30 p.m. Stasia Acrobats

Sunday, May 24

• 5 p.m. Concert - Shawn Barnby
• 8 p.m. Candlelight Vigil

Monday, May 25th

• 5:15 p.m. POW*MIA Thunder Run Tribute
• 5:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony