For the 8th year since 2003 the Northwood Gratitude & Honor Memorial was set up one week before Memorial Day and taken down after Independence Day.

During this time many joined us to honor our fallen military members each evening to light a candle for each memorial, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, play taps and take time to reflect on the honor and gratitude we have for these heroes.

Each night, several fallen service members were remembered by reading a short overview of their history.  In addition, poems and other recollections were read which were written by visitors to the memorial and the fallen themselves.

Thank you to all who participated, especially those Gold Star families and the young men and women who have served or are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq who have stopped by. Meeting them makes the value of this memorial even more apparent.

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"To March Away" written by Spc. Shane Woods and read by Iraq Veteran Dan Tjalsma who served with Spc. Woods, relating a personal loss.

"In Gratitude" written and read by Steve Wolford, relating personal connection to the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial.

"We Come Here Everyday" written by Andy Zelinko.