The Idaho National Guard honored those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with a Memorial Day dedication and ceremony Wednesday.
The Gown Field ceremony included the Idaho National Guard color guard, a cannon salute by the Idaho Military Museum and the playing of Taps on bugle by a member of the 25th Army Band.
"Today's a day that not only do I get reminded of the great nation and the great opportunity and honor it is to serve our country and the potential demand of that service, but it's also a great conversation to have around my dinner table with my family and for them to understand that this is the importance of service," Idaho Air National Guard Col. Tim Donnellan said.
During the ceremony, memorial bricks and benches were dedicated in honor of the fallen.
One bench was dedicated in memory of Command Sgt. Maj, Richard Elgan. Elgan served as the Idaho Army National Guard's State Command Sgt. Maj. until his death.
"He suddenly passed just in March," Idaho Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Linda Burkhart said. "It's very sad to see him go, but this is a great way that we can honor him and many others."
