Traveling memorial honors service members in Fairfield
The traveling memorial is a tribute to the over 7,000 service members who died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each person's name, their rank and day they died is printed on a dog tag that was then placed on the panels.
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A memorial in Fairfield is honoring service members who made ultimate sacrifice.
The Global War on Terror Fallen Memorial has been on display at the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church since Father's Day.
The traveling memorial is a tribute to the over 7,000 service members who died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each person's name, their rank and day they died is printed on a dog tag that was then placed on the panels.
There is also a kiosk where people search for a person's name and find out information about their service including rank and medal awarded.
The wall was created by Veterans & Athletes United (VAU), a nonprofit founded by veterans that provides support to disabled veterans and their families through accessible retreats and adaptive sports and recreation.
The nonprofit Freedom Isn't Free Ride is hosting the memorial. The Fairfield-based organization raises money to assist veterans in finding housing.
Its founder says it's important for people to pay respect and remember the lives lost.
"You know, if they do know somebody, they can come pay respect to the ones they do know. Or just bring basically the awareness that somebody is still trying to keep them in memory, regardless of if you know them or not," says Russell Edgett.
He says the wall is also important because many people do not often think about the wars and do not know anyone who has served in them.
People have until this week to view the memorial. A closing ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday.
