BLACKFOOT, ID – May 9, 2019 – Today, representatives of the Bingham Health Care Foundation presented Bingham County with a check for $10,000. This was the final amount needed to fund the 7-foot, bronze statue in the center of Patriot Field—the veteran’s memorial park is located across the street from the Bingham County Courthouse in downtown Blackfoot.

The $120,000 statue was paid for completely by private donations. No money from the state or county was required. Earlier in the year, Bingham Healthcare donated $20,000 towards the project.

“On behalf of the Bingham Health Care Foundation, we are honored to be a donor to this worthy cause,” says Danette Roberts, director of the Foundation. “It is a privilege to be part of a community that recognizes those that have come before us in order that we may have and enjoy the freedoms of today.”

Furthermore, the Bingham County Commissioners are planning a special “Statue Unveiling Ceremony” at Patriot Field.

When: Friday, May 24, 2019, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Location: Patriot Field, 355 North Ash, Blackfoot, ID

The statue unveiling ceremony will be open to the public and will feature remarks from Governor Brad Little, Major General Garshak, Commanding General for the Idaho National Guard, Stuart Portela, and the sculptor, Ben Hammond. Light refreshments will be served.

The one-of-a-kind statue was sculpted by Mr. Hammond—an Blackfoot native—and features a military officer handing a folded American flag to two children. The bronze statue is the crowning achievement in Patriot Field, paying tribute to war veterans and prisoners of war from Bingham County.

“The statue serves as an important reminder for everyone to ‘Never Forget’ those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” says County Commissioner Mark Bair. “I’m grateful to Bingham Healthcare, the Bingham Health Care Foundation, and all of the individual community members and businesses for funding the statue through your generous donations.”

I’m especially grateful to the Bingham Health Care Foundation and the entire community who have been so generous with their donations.

Now that Patriot Field is going to be finished, it will be a proper remembrance to our all of our veterans who have served and who are now serving.