(Editor’s Note: Eric Woody gave the following address on Saturday, Sept. 7, during the Field of Remembrance ceremony at the Fort Bridger State Historical Site.)

Today, we gather in this Field of Remembrance to honor those we have lost.

For our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and others from our Armed Forces — this field symbolizes their bravery and the selfless service they gave for our freedom. They stood in defense of ideals that define our nation some who made the ultimate sacrifice and others who willingly served the greater good. Their names and legacies are etched into the fabric of our history and on the very ground in which we stand.

Today is also for those who may not have served in the armed forces, yet lived with the spirit of courage and conviction to ideals. Whether they were a parent, a child, a friend or a partner — their loss is deeply felt and their memory cherished.

In this space, we come together to honor all those who have shaped our lives, shared our joys and sorrows, and continue to guide us. As we walk among these symbols of remembrance, let us reflect on each person’s impact on the world around them.

Each name and memory represents a life lived with purpose, a life that brought light to others. They may no longer be physically with us, yet their influence remains in the values we maintain and the love we carry forward.

We stand here in support of one another. In this shared space of remembrance, we find strength in our community, comfort in our collective memory, and hope in the resilience that comes from honoring those we have lost.

Today, we pledge to keep their memories alive, not just in the words we speak or the ceremonies we attend, yet how we live our lives. Let us strive to embody the values they held dear to ensure their legacy endures in the hearts of those who follow.

Thank you for being here today for sharing in this moment of collective reflection. Together, we honor the past, cherish the present, and look forward to the future with hope, guided by the memories of those we hold dear.