STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Veterans Day has its origin 100 years ago as the most terrible war the world had ever known came to an end.
This year Wood River Valley veterans will have a new focus as they celebrate the unveiling of the new Blaine County Veterans Memorial located on the lawn of the Blaine County Courthouse in Hailey.
Construction workers have spent weeks on their knees wielding drills and other tools as they erected the memorial, which honors the men and women from Blaine County who have put themselves in harm’s way defending the Constitution of the United States.
And they finished it just in time for the inaugural ceremony, which will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11.
“This memorial is unique from its physical design to the materials that were used,” said Rich Cardillo, director of Military Program Expansion for Higher Ground.
“It can be an important source of information for young people in helping them to understand the sacrifices made by past generations. And it can become a focal point for civic commemorations, such as National Military Appreciation Month, Armed Forces Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and individual service birthdays.
The monument sculpture rests on a triangular base representing the folded American flag, which symbolizes the support of the American people.
Three rifles form a pyramid with the barrels down, symbolizing the fallen.
Those rifles include a 1903 Springfield rifle used during World War I, an M-1 Garand rifle from World War II and an M-16 rifle representing the modern era. A steel pot combat helmet used in World War I and well into the Cold War sits atop the pyramid.
Underneath is a Civil War-era bugle.
The memorial is oriented true north, symbolizing the idea of finding one’s way or proceeding on the correct course.
“Ever since Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, our country has been guided by the values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This memorial helps remind us of the importance of these values to the success of our country,” said Cardillo.
The overall shape of the memorial represents the Tip of the Spear, an expression commonly used in military operation. The river rock used in it symbolizes strength and endurance; the water, flexibility and adaptability; flowers and shrubs, beauty; the red, white and blue colors, patriotism; the inclusion of all military services, teamwork and solidarity, and the TAPS statue, loyalty , duty, courage and sacrifice.
The planning team was made up of Blaine County Commissioner Jacob Greenburg, Cooper Hayes, Mark Phipps, Pedro Garcia and Higher Ground’s Justin Safely. Bringing it to fruition was a team comprised of Higher Ground Sun Valley, the Blaine County commissioners, Webb Landscaping and Eggers Associates.
Webb Landscape Designer Pedro Garcia, who recently received his citizenship, said he enjoyed incorporating different meanings and different elements reflecting the Sun Valley area in it.
“The memorial turned out wonderful,” said Greenberg. “It’s simple but impactful—that’s what veterans would expect. Webb Landscape did a wonderful job. And the whole project was done without an extravagant amount of money.”
The dedication ceremony will include the presentation of the colors with Reginald Reeves, Tito Rivera, Sam Kory, Steve Slivinski and Rod Koleno representing the different branches of the armed services.
Tyia Wilson will sing the National Anthem and Barbara Corwin, chaplain for the American Legion Post 115, will deliver the invocation.
The memorial service will be followed by the annual Veterans Day lunch at noon at The Senior Connection in Hailey. The meal will include prime rib and turkey, said The Connection’s Executive Director Teresa Beahen Lipman.
Veterans eat for free. There is a suggested donation of $5 for others.