Our Memorial

Warrior's Walk: "Trees stretch along both sides of Cottrell Field — ironically, the same field where soldiers are welcomed home when they return from deployments. Red buds are planted on each side, one for each soldier from the Third Infantry Division who has died since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003.
At the base of the trees, American flags often appear, along with flags representing the soldiers' units. A small concrete marker bears the name of each one. Often, families leave behind mementos: photos, a bottle of favorite beer, a toy tank, a crystal angel...It is a profoundly solemn place." (Kathy Lohr, npr.org)

"The Warriors Walk Redbuds near their annual show of color on the anniversary of the Marne Division's liberation of Baghdad. Blooming each March, the 436 Eastern Redbuds of Fort Stewart's Warriors Walk, commemorating 436 Marne Soldiers lost in the fight for freedom since 2003." (3rd ID fb page)

*Photos, in collage, courtesy of The Third Infantry Division facebook page

I was there in 2003 for the very first unveiling of Warriors Walk, Jeremy was in Baghdad.  The day forever etched into my heart. 

Nothing prepares you for a day like that.  You are grateful to not have a tree, but your heart bleeds for those who do.  It was a beautiful ceremony, performed at it's most highest respect. 

Over the years we remained at Ft Stewart, there were numerous times Jeremy and I slowly walked along the somber path, stopping at the trees of those who Jeremy knew. 

Fort Stewart was our first duty station, almost 10 years ago.  Jeremy deployed 2 times, including the invasion, with the Third Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Ft Stewart and the 3rd ID are held very close and dearly to our hearts.

With the start of spring, we wanted to plant some trees around our home.  So this weekend we did our very first one and just one.  It was an Eastern Redbud, the same as the 436 planted at Warriors Walk.  The time was perfect, as March was the month of the invasion of Iraq, as well as the month we were married.  That tree in our front yard is our memorial to remind us of a time in our life that changed us both forever.  It is a memorial to remind us every day of those who gave their all for the sake of our freedoms and for our country.  Our children will grow with the Redbud, they will play around it, and one day they will ask about it, that's when we will share our story.  We will never forget.

PS Connor has named him "Treedo."