BOISE, ID – The public is encouraged to save the date of the dedication of the new Idaho Women Veterans Memorial, which will now be located at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.
The memorial, which was originally planned to be located at the Idaho Veterans Garden in Caldwell, will now have a permanent space at the veterans cemetery, the Idaho Veterans Garden, in partnership with the Idaho Division of Veterans Services, announced in a press release Monday.
The dedication of the memorial will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 5 at the cemetery at 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road in Ada County.
“This important decision to relocate the memorial was made with careful consideration, ensuring that it will receive the permanent care it deserves while remaining accessible and visible to all who feel the impact of this profound loss across our state,” the Idaho Division of Veterans Services said in a press release.
The memorial will honor Cpl. Carrie L. French, Idaho’s first woman killed in combat, as well as the contributions of all Idaho women who have bravely served in the military. French was killed June 5, 2005, during the Iraq War when an improvised explosive device, or IED, hit the front of her convoy vehicle and detonated in Kirkuk, Iraq, the Idaho Statesman reported.
“Carrie exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie that flourishes among all veterans — women and men alike — during their service,” the Idaho Division of Veterans Services said in the release. “The memorial will be lovingly maintained and will play a significant centerpiece in the many ceremonies and traditions held at the cemetery each year. Although Carrie rests in her hometown of Caldwell, her legacy as a distinguished service member will be eternally celebrated at the State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.”
Danny Pugmire, from the Idaho Veterans Garden and the founder of the Idaho Women Veterans Memorial, said in the release that the hope is that the memorial will serve as a place of remembrance and reflection for future generations.
“The new location will offer a place for everyone, friends and family to truly honor Carrie and while maintaining the dignity and respect that the memorial deserves,” Pugmire said.
Jake Faulkner, the director of the veterans cemetery, said locating the memorial at the cemetery is “a privilege and a solemn responsibility that we will embrace with reverence.”
“This memorial stands as a lasting testament to the service and sacrifice of Idaho’s women veterans,” Faulkner said in the release. “It will be thoughtfully maintained and integrated into the cemetery’s traditions, providing a place of reflection, gratitude and remembrance for all who visit.”
The dedication ceremony will include addresses from the memorial’s sculptor and world-renowned artist, Benjamin Victor, Faulkner, Pugmire, and Marisa McCarter, author of the story “Marbles,” which captures McCarter’s friendship and service with French. The “Marbles” story can be found on the Idaho Veterans Garden website at https://www.idahoveteransgarden.com/marbles.
This story first appeared on Idaho Capital Sun.