Memorial Day weekend marks 20 years of the Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial in Pocatello

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial is commemorating 20 years of honoring the men and women who died serving the United States in the Global War on Terrorism.

The beloved Memorial will return to Pocatello from Friday, May 24, until Memorial Day, May 27, at Century High School’s soccer fields.

“The Field brings the community together as one. We aren’t different political parties, organizations, or companies. We are just citizens enjoying the freedom paid for by the men and women represented in the Field,” said Bannock County Veteran Services Coordinator and event organizer Melissa Hartman.

This year, volunteers placed 7,064 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 still needed for takedown on Tuesday, May 28. 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. The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day until the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

The annual Run to Remember, sponsored by Snaptight Products, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at Century High School’s track. Those interested can register at the track at 9:30 a.m. for a $10 donation to support the Memorial. The first 70 participants will receive a free T-shirt and a goodie bag.

Special meals will be prepared at the Coca-Cola trailer on Saturday and Monday.

Full schedule of events:

Friday, May 24

• 10:00 a.m. – Dedication Ceremony
• 6:00 p.m. – Youth Ceremony
• 7:00 p.m. – Flag Folding Ceremony

Saturday, May 25

• 10:00 a.m. – Run to Remember
• 12-2:00 p.m. – Children’s Activities
• 2:00 p.m. – USO Show
• 3:30 p.m. – Stasia Acrobats

Sunday, May 26

• 5:00 p.m. – Special Musical Event with Shawn Barnby & Friends
• 8:00 p.m. – Silent Wounds Candlelight Vigil

Monday, May 27

• 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