FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A longstanding tradition on Fort Campbell that honors fallen soldiers with a large-scale outdoor display will no longer take place after this summer.
“Recently, after a decade of standing as a powerful testament of sacrifice and selflessness, a decision was made to conclude the Fort Campbell Boots Display Memorial,” said a public statement from Fort Campbell.
In the past, the memorial has drawn thousands of people, coinciding with the Week of the Eagles events on Fort Campbell. Each boot that is displayed on the expansive field honors a service member who has died in the line of duty since 9/11, displaying a photo and details of their service.
It was decided that a final Boots Display Memorial will be held this year from May 19-26. During this final memorial, everyone who has a loved one represented will have the opportunity to take the boot and memorabilia home with them.
“After notifying the survivors who have a loved one represented in the display, we were made aware of the profound effect the abruptness of the decision had upon them,” said the statement. “We hear your voices and recognize your pain.”
A Fort Campbell spokesperson told Chrisitan County Now that the change came about after it was realized that they did not have an equivalent memorial event for Gold Star Families and Veterans of other conflicts. In order to show the proper respect for all, they are shifting honors to Memorial Row, which recognizes fallen service members from every combat era of the nation.
“The Boots Display Memorial began as a tribute to all fallen service members of the Global War on Terrorism era,” said the spokesperson. “The display evoked strong feelings of pride and remembrance, and the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell were honored to host this special display at our headquarters every May.”
If a surviving family member is unable to collect the boot of their fallen service member, they may coordinate with family or friends to collect the boot on their behalf or contact the Survivor Outreach Services office by calling (270) 956-1205, (270) 798-0277, or (270) 412-8457 to make arrangements.
| DON’T MISS A STORY: Click here to sign up for our free weekly email newsletter