Tulsa's Veterans Community Unveils Field of Heroes for Memorial Day Tribute

The Tulsa City Council convened on May 21, 2025, to address several important community issues, with a significant focus on honoring veterans and upcoming memorial events.

The meeting began with a heartfelt address from a member of the American Legion Post 1 and VFW Post 577, who emphasized the importance of Memorial Day as a time to honor fallen heroes. The speaker highlighted the historical significance of these veteran organizations in Tulsa, describing them as vital pillars of the community that provide healing and honor to combat veterans. The speaker urged the council to support the "Field of Heroes" project, which aims to install combat boots in Veterans Park to represent approximately 800 fallen heroes from Oklahoma. This visual installation is intended to educate younger generations about the sacrifices made by veterans and to reinforce the community's commitment to honoring their legacy beyond Memorial Day.

Following this, Joshua Starks presented a request for approval of a special event permit for the seventh annual "Field of Heroes" display. Starks noted that last year's event featured over 700 boots, with contributions from Tinker Air Force Base. He explained that the installation specifically honors post-9/11 veterans, including 426 from Oklahoma, and aims to support Gold Star families by addressing their concerns regarding benefits and services. Starks expressed the importance of the event in fostering community support and awareness for veterans and their families.

The council's discussions underscored a strong commitment to honoring veterans and ensuring that their sacrifices are recognized and remembered in meaningful ways. The meeting concluded with a call for further engagement and support for veteran initiatives in Tulsa, reinforcing the city's dedication to its military community.