By Alan Gayhart

Fellow Patriots,

We need your assistance in our efforts to build a war memorial directly in front of the State Capitol. We have an account established and permission from the State Department of Administration for the project.

For those of you who are new to this information, I would like to provide a little background. A private citizen was purchasing and installing flags and flag poles nearby the Capitol for each fallen serviceman from the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). However, he has had over 50 cases of vandalism and theft (much like one that one of our legislator’s kid was involved with). This great citizen was proud to do this without reimbursement, however the cost to keep replacing/repairing existing flags/poles was causing him financial stress.

I met with him, and many of the Gold Star mothers/families concerning a permanent memorial that would have the names engraved of those who had give their lives in the GWOT. In addition, the State Department of Admin suggested we incorporate plaques from other conflicts (that are scattered around the Treasure Valley) into one monument.

This memorial and the associated hallowed ground will be a fitting memorial for those who have given their lives for our freedoms. I and many others are grateful and humbled by their and their families sacrifice for our State and Nation.

I ask your support in helping to raise funds for this project, and to help get the information/flyer out within all communities throughout Idaho on this project.

Estimated cost is around $40-$50K. Target date for the inaugural of this memorial is September 11th of this year, pending our success in fund raising. Alan Gayhart