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Like the Vietman Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Freedom Memorial will feature a wall and a U.S. flag.

PacifiCorp donates to freedom memorial

REXBURG — The city of Rexburg has been awarded $2,500 from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, the charitable arm of Utah Power, to help fund construction of the Veteran’s Freedom Memorial in Smith Park.

The memorial will honor all American veterans who have served the nation in both times of war and times of peace, including veterans from the Upper Snake River Valley and five county regions of Idaho.

This patriotic and educational memorial will be the first of its kind in Rexburg and will provide a location for families of veterans, students and all citizens to learn about and reflect on the valiant sacrifices these men and women have made to protect their freedoms.

“I am impressed with the community involvement with the Veteran’s Freedom Memorial,” said Mayor Shawn Larsen. “This generous donation by PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning brings the project closer to becoming a reality. The memorial will be built with tax-deductible donations.”

The memorial will be located in the southeast corner of Smith Park near the walking path. Each branch of the military will be represented.

The Rexburg Rotary Club has been instrumental in moving the project forward.

Funding from the PacifiCorp Foundation is part of more than $8,000 awarded to southeastern Idaho organizations in March 2006.

The foundation awards four regular grant cycles each year in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture and civic and community betterment. For more information, visit www.pacificorpfoundation.com.

“This memorial will help preserve the memory of those veterans from nearby and throughout our country who have given so much over the years to keep our nation safe and ensure our freedoms,” said Glen Pond, Utah Power regional community manager.

Kyle Astle, a sophomore from Great Falls, Mont., agrees.

“I think it’s a good thing for the vets. It will boost their morale and give everyone a reminder of what they have done for us and their country.”

For more information about Rexburg’s Veteran’s Freedom Memorial or to make a tax-deductible donation toward its construction, please contact Lynn Archibald at 356-4411 or City Hall at 359-3020.