REXBURG—The Field of Honor Memorial is an annual public event May 23 - 25. It offers the opportunity to reflect, honor and learn about our American heroes.
The project lead for the Field of Honor Memorial, J.R Reseigh, says the community is receptive and appreciative of how veterans are honored at the memorial.
Every year, the Idaho Falls Exchange Club sets up 1,000 American flags at Russ Freeman Park. Individuals and corporate businesses have the opportunity to sponsor a flag.
“[Individuals] if they have a veteran in their family or an active service member or a first responder or anybody that one might consider a hero, they can honor that person by spending the $40 to hang a flag tag out on one of the 1,000 flags,” Reseigh said.
Corporate donation levels offer different benefits. $5,000 scholarships allow a business to honor 25 people.
There are several events that take place between Saturday and Monday to honor people and reflect on Memorial Day weekend.
On Saturday, the posting of the colors, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance will begin at 9:45 a.m. At 10 and 11 a.m. the Eagle Rock Dance and the Stasia Acrobats will perform. The Kahl brothers will play taps at sunset, just before 9 p.m.
On Sunday there are multiple military programs that start at noon, like the tolling of the boats and dignified flag disposal. There will also be a flag etiquette ceremony and presentation on America’s 250th anniversary.
On Monday there will be the name reading at the Vietnam Memorial at 10:40 a.m. and a Memorial Day tribute from the Travis Mannion Foundation at 12:25 p.m. At 11:01 a.m. there will be a flyover of some old war planes.
“So, you can bring your family, wander through the flags, read the tags, reflect on what they mean, watch the program and just kind of make it, a time of it with your family,” Reseigh said.
The Idaho Falls Exchange Club works with several local groups including Camp Magical Moments, Veterans Mobility Corp., CYA and others.
“We’re a 501c3. We tally up all the contributions and money raised and then make decisions as a committee as to whom we're going to provide,” Reseigh said.
Reseigh encourages the public to come by this weekend and honor your veterans.
“There's an opportunity to reflect and I think that's what Memorial Day is really supposed to be about, is the reflection of the fact that some people sacrificed everything for what we have as a nation,” Reseigh said.
To learn more about the committee or volunteer go to Fieldofhonor.net