Idaho National Guard honors those who have served, died

Idaho National Guard troops and leaders gathered at Gowen Thursday for an annual pre-Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who have served.

“Thinking of the heroes who join us today and those here in spirit, one can’t help but feel awed by their service and sacrifice,” said Col Russell D. Johnson, director of operations for the Idaho Army National Guard. “They possessed courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity – all the qualities required to serve a cause larger than one’s self.”

The Army National Guard Color Guard raised the national and state colors and the POW/MIA flag, a bugle played “Taps,” and three shots were fired from a World War II-era cannon.

“Our gathering here in the Gowen Field Memorial Park is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation this Memorial Day,” Johnson said.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Idaho National Guard honors those who have served, died."