Article Written By Frank Naley, Resident Writer
Heather Paredes and her family moved to Eagle in 2003 and 2004 after visiting friends and family. They fell in love with Idaho, especially Eagle. Heather said, “The community of Eagle is very special. It has always had a strong patriotic presence.”
Heather and her sister Kathy Coburn and their families shared a passion in running a military parade in conjunction with the Field of Honor, during its first year. They worked with Mayor Nancy Merrill in May of 2006 to get things rolling. Mayor Merrill had seen a Field of Honor in Washington DC and when she returned to Eagle; she knew it was her mission to bring this event to our community. After its first year, they discovered that there was no plan to keep it going so they happily decided to keep it rolling – with the help of their families.
Their father, Fred Coburn, had served in the U.S. Navy as an in-flight refueler on the first atomic bomb carrying-carrier based airplane. This was during the Korean Conflict. Their families had always been very proud of his service. They felt that they owed our veterans and current military service members the greatest of respect for their service. Heather said, “Their service is the reason every citizen of our great country can pursue their dreams. Their sacrifices have kept America free these past 250 years. This tribute is to ensure that they will never be forgotten.”
Knowing this year is the 250th anniversary of our nation, Heather’s very proud that it is now also the 20th anniversary of the Eagle Field of Honor. She and her family’s project have emphasized the importance of honoring and remembering those who have served and are currently serving to protect our freedoms. Heather shared, “The Field of Honor has highlighted how much those individuals and their families mean not only to our great country, but on a very personal and individual level as well.”
This year, all the proceeds from the two-week event will be going to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chief Joseph Chapter 509. The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans and promote patriotism. MOPH strives to facilitate and provide all available assistance that veterans and their families may need. They are a source of assistance for other Veterans organizations. Their effort provides a true sense of community and generosity.
The City of Eagle has been a huge supporter of the Eagle Field of Honor. Since its inception in 2006, the city has continued to support them in their efforts to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes. Their support has been invaluable and so appreciated! Heather closed our interview by saying, “In celebrating our 20th anniversary; we would like to thank everyone who has or is currently supporting the field. We would also like to thank our many volunteers who have been a welcome part of our Eagle Field of Honor Family.”
To learn more about donating next year, please visit www.eaglefieldofhonor.org. Please note that this beautiful cause is accepting donations March 1st through May 31st every year. God Bless America and long may she waive!
