In honor and remembrance of service members who died defending the United States, the annual Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial returns this Memorial Day weekend.

Now in its 22nd year, the event runs May 22–25 at the Century High School soccer fields in Pocatello, concluding on Memorial Day.

The Field of Heroes honors men and women who died serving the United States during the Global War on Terrorism.

“This event means so much to our community because it’s a beautiful, solemn reminder of the price families have paid to protect our freedom,” said Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veteran Services coordinator. “We honor the lives of the fallen and thank their families and friends for their sacrifice.”

During the event, volunteers will place 7,086 markers in the field — one for each service member who died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. An additional 97 markers will represent service members with an Idaho connection who have died since Sept. 11, 2001.

Organizers are seeking volunteers to help set up the field May 18–21 and for cleanup Tuesday, May 26. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 8 a.m.

The event opens with a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. May 22. The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day until the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. May 25.

The annual Run to Remember is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 23 at Century High School’s track. Participants may register at the track beginning at 9 a.m. for a $10 donation. The first to register will receive a free T-shirt and goodie bag while supplies last.

Organizers have released a full schedule of events.

Friday, May 22: The event opens with a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. That evening, the Liberty Snack Shack will be open from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a Youth Ceremony at 6 p.m. and a Civil Air Patrol appearance at 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 23: The Run to Remember begins at 10 a.m. The Liberty Snack Shack opens at 11 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m., with children’s activities also taking place from noon to 2 p.m. A USO Show is scheduled for 2 p.m., followed by the Stasia Acrobats at 3:30 p.m. The Liberty Snack Shack reopens from 5 to 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 24: The Liberty Snack Shack opens from 4 to 7 p.m. A special musical event featuring Shawn Barnby begins at 5 p.m. The evening concludes with the Silent Wounds candlelight vigil at 8 p.m.

Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): The Liberty Snack Shack is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., the POW/MIA Awareness Association hosts the “Retire with Respect” flag retirement ceremony. The Thunder Run Tribute follows at 5:15 p.m., and the closing ceremony brings the weekend to a close at 5:30 p.m.

For a complete list of sponsors, visit idahofieldofheroes.com.