INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - On this date next year, a Hoosier veteran hopes to dedicate a permanent state memorial to the fallen heroes of the War on Terrorism. A temporary memorial began in Westfield more than three years ago and unfortunately has continued to grow.
Army veteran David Davis and his wife unfurled flags to place at the base of 130 crosses. They represent Hoosier men and women who have died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial garden was started in 2005 by Davis's stepfather, Don Peed. He cut and painted the markers and planted them in the Westfield easement adjoining his property. After Peed died, Davis and his stepmother kept the memorial up to date.
Davis doesn't want his stepfather’s tribute to be temporary.
"I would like to step it up a notch as they say," said Davis. "Get something a little more, not meaningful, but a little more respectful."
Davis dreams of Indiana's first permanent War on Terrorism memorial. He has taken his idea to City Hall.
"I think Westfield would be very interested in that," said Westfield Mayor Andy Cook.
Cook is Westfield's first mayor. He is about to unveil redevelopment plans that he said may include the memorial.
"Originally, the mayor suggested putting a permanent memorial somewhere else in Westfield. Davis doesn't like that idea. He likes the location because there's an Underground Railroad cemetery located directly behind the memorial garden.
"The irony of it all, these guys and women have fought for our freedom and to maintain our freedom and behind this memorial is a cemetery of those seeking freedom," said Davis.
Now Davis looks forward to the difficult work of getting permits, plans and funding.
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