Warriors Walk, Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield

Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, located outside of Savannah, Ga., plants trees to honor the soldiers and attached units of 3rd Infantry Division who were killed in action during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The area where the trees are planted, known as Cottrell Field, has been used for years as the location for special events to honor dignitaries. The field is where soldiers march prior to going to battle and where they are welcomed when they return home.

The Eastern redbud was selected to represent the life of a each fallen hero because the trees bloom in April, about the same time as the first casualties were reported from the Division’s theater of operations. When the trees reach maturity, they will make a canopy over the sidewalks.

The first tree memorial ceremony was held on April 29, 2003, with additional ceremonies held monthly as required. As of July 2010, there are 433 soldiers honored at Warriors Walk, ranging in rank from colonel to private.

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[Photo Credit: Fort Stewart]