Beginning of the end for Field of Heroes

Since 2004 the Field of Heroes in Pocatello has been set up and taken down each Memorial Day weekend to honor all soldiers killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“As committee we want the field to end on a high note,” said Susan Thurm, with programs and infield services for the memorial.”We want to end with people wanting to come, not, ‘Oh, no one’s coming, let’s end it.’ So there is possibility that next year would be the last Field of Heroes.”

Thurm said the topic came up during meetings this year before the setup started. She said it was emotional for everyone there, especially her.

“It’s just something I look forward to,” Thurm said. “This is one of my favorite community events I help with.”

She said they will hold a meeting in January 2015 to discuss the future of the field, because the committee shouldn’t decide alone.

“Without that community support this would never happen,” she said. “It’s not a committee that’s doing this, it’s an entire community.”

The Field of Heroes not only garnered national news attention, it inspired others in communities across the nation to put up their own memorials, like a man in Illinois. To see that memorial, and for a listing of events over Memorial Day weekend, follow this link to the Field of Heroes Facebook page: on.fb.me/1t0TV21.

The field can be viewed at any time, day or night, at the soccer field at Century High School, 7801 Diamondback Dr., Pocatello, Idaho, 83204.