Westfield monument formally dedicated

WESTFIELD, Ind. (The Times) - What started years ago as a temporary garden of crosses made to honor Indiana's fallen soldiers turned into a permanently memorial in Westfield following a formal dedication on Flag Day.

Dozens filled the street in front of the memorial as dignitaries celebrated the day noting the importance of remembering those who gave all fighting for freedom.

In 2002, Vietnam Veteran Command Sgt. Major Donald Peed began making crosses in his Westfield home for the men and women losing their lives in the war on terror with the help of his wife, Carol Hartman-Peed.

Unfortunately, Peed, 67, died from a heart attack caused by the effects of Agent Orange in September 2005, but Hartman-Peed, and his step-son, Dave Davis, have kept alive the tribute that Peed started.

"He died in 2005, after that I promised I would help," said Davis. "I am not certain what he had in mind, but what I do know is that it is my duty and honor to continue this memorial in his memory."

Davis, a veteran with 17 years of service including duties in the Gulf War, knew Peed not only as his stepfather but as a fellow Army man. Davis served under Sgt. Maj. Peed in Germany, and he knows his stepfather felt very strongly about veterans.

"He remembers how he was treated when he got back from Vietnam, and he didn't want that to happen to our soldiers," Davis said.

Davis and his stepmother Carol kept up the sad tradition of hand making the crosses for each dead soldier, Davis also began fundraising for a permanent monument.

"We wanted to make this a permanent memorial - it's time," he said.

Davis said that in order to transition the memorial from a temporary one to a more permanent honor, he received the blessings of the city of Westfield, Hamilton County and the state of Indiana.

"This is for all of our fallen soldiers in the state," he said. "This is for everyone."

To make the memorial permanent, Davis said new, larger crosses were constructed. Each will be set by an Indiana limestone marker which include a personal engraving with the name and rank in one spot, then the date of death, hometown and service branch. Five flags representing the service branches and three flags - the U.S., Indiana State and the Gold Star Mothers flags - will be added to the site.

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said at Sunday's ceremony the city was proud to be home to the memorial and promised the area would always have a place in Westfield's future.

The garden by Hartman-Peed's Westfield home, 401 N. Union St., now bears 143 crosses, each honoring a service member from Indiana who has died since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The tribute is called Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial for Enduring Freedom.

"The memorial is for those still fighting, giving the ultimate sacrifice," Davis said.

At Sunday's ceremony Davis expressed his hope the memorial will give soldiers the proper respect they deserve.

“This memorial is for the Gold Star mothers who have lost heroes," he said Sunday.

In addition to a 21-gun salute and taps a flyover with WWII planes took place adding to the solemnity of the day.
Indiana State Senator James Buck spoke of the importance of remembering the service of those in the military saying the memorial would help keep their efforts in people's minds.

"There's not much we can do to honor them, they have brought honor on themselves," he said.

Other official representatives present included Indiana State Representative Kathy Richardson, Margaret S. Washburn, Asst. Adjunct General of Indiana and Chris Jenson, president of Gold Star Mothers of Indiana.

"I know Command Sgt. Peed would be proud," Davis said with emotion closing the ceremony.

Those in attendance then quietly walked among the crosses, taking photos and sharing private moments.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     For more information, visit fallenhoosiers.com.