Frequently Asked questions
What are the criteria for “Remembering Our Fallen” memorials?
Each state memorial includes the Fallen who called that respective state home and died from wounds suffered while wearing our country’s uniform in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or another location supporting The War on Terror (since 9/11/01).
I have not yet been contacted to include my Fallen loved one. Can I submit information and photos?
Yes, you may download the Fallen Hero form and return to us. We also ask that you provide your favorite military photo and favorite non-military photo of your loved one. The non-military photo may certainly include family or friends or show your loved one doing something s/he enjoyed. If we have not yet begun working on the state your loved one would have called home, we will hold it until we begin working on that state’s memorial.
How are the memorials funded & how do you determine which state is next?
When funding is received to sponsor the production of a state’s memorial, that state moves to the top of the list. Each production sponsor’s logo is included on our web site, as well as multiple times on the memorial itself. The production sponsor is also invited to attend and speak at the unveiling ceremony.
Which states are next?
We are always working on the next state to complete. Much of that depends on donations and funding support.
What happens after a state memorial is completed?
Once a memorial is completed, it is unveiled to Gold Star family members and friends of our Fallen who called that state home. Then the memorial begins traveling throughout its state.
Who can host a memorial?
Anyone with a desire to remember our country’s Fallen can host a memorial. Memorials have been hosted by community groups and festivals, state fairs, conventions, schools, VFW and American Legion Posts, churches, shopping centers, museums, libraries and businesses of all kinds. The state memorials must be indoors, as they cannot withstand the elements. The national memorial will be able to go outdoors or indoors.
Schools are a wonderful host site. We provide a curriculum that was developed by the staff of a high school in 2011 and shared with us. It is quite often an eye-opener for students to realize that many of our country’s Fallen are not much older then they are. It is definitely a lesson to students, and people of all ages, that the cost of freedom is extremely high for some, while being taken for granted by many.
How long does the memorial stay in a community?
Normally a memorial stays for four to seven days, but can be more or less, depending upon each situation.
How much space must be provided for the memorial?
Each state memorial varies by size depending upon how many Fallen called that state home. Most state memorials are 40-60 linear feet, but that can be halved if the frames are placed back-to-back. Each state memorial includes lightweight steel frames that are collapsible and 10’ wide x 8’ tall. The depth of the frame is only 12”. California's is our largest memorial, and requires, at minimum, a 2,500 square foot space. Please note the space for the state memorial must be indoors and we request that you provide a 6-8’ table.
How are the memorials installed?
Each state has someone who delivers and sets up the memorial, which typically takes an hour, except for California and Texas, which each require a minimum of two hours.
When time for the display to be taken down, the contractor will return to disassemble the memorial, which fits into a private passenger vehicle.
What can we do when hosting the memorial?
When a memorial is brought to a community, it is often escorted by Patriot Guard and/or American Legion Riders.
Many hosts hold a ceremony that can be held as an Opening Ceremony or Closing Ceremony. This is a wonderful way to include local Gold Star families, event sponsors, local dignitaries, etc.
We will provide you with the following to assist you:
List of the Fallen included on your state’s memorial
Suggestions for the ceremony and other details
Template for a press release
Template for a flyer and/or printed program
Is there a fee to host a memorial?
It depends on the state, size, distance traveled and length of the reservation. Most state memorials require a fee that covers the cost of the contractor’s mileage and time to make two round trips to set up and take down the memorial. This can be anywhere from $250 to $2,000.