A Battle Ground couple is in their sixth year of continuously growing their small yet poignant veterans display that stands from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July.
The display is located on Cathy Foley and Brian Coulston’s corner property at the intersection of Northeast 199th Street and Northeast 176th Avenue. The veterans display is complete with a centered flag pole, banners, wooden silhouette displays and wooden crosses with names of local men and women of the armed forces and first responders. The couple hopes the display serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, encouraging community members to stop by and consider the true meaning of the three-day weekend.
The idea began when Foley and Coulston believed the meaning of Memorial Day started to slip away.
“I don’t think people do it enough,” Foley said of honoring veterans. “They think it’s a day off. And people forget what the real reason is. You know, it’s a three-day weekend and a barbecue. They think that’s it. That’s why we leave it up all the way through the Fourth of July.”
Coulston served as an airborne medic from 1979 through 1986.
“I’m very proud of what I did,” he said. “It wasn’t during wartime, but it was a lot of conflicts going on. I’ve been supporting the Patriot Guard since 1992 and our Patriot Guard is an honor. (The display) means a lot to me. For Kathy to do this, it’s amazing.”
Foley hopes the dozen or so crosses expand into an entire yard full of them in order to honor as many locals who sacrificed their lives or have passed away after their time in service.
“We like to honor all veterans, and if there are people in the area that would like to have their children honored or their husbands or uncles, we’ll be more than happy to produce the end results of what’s in this here to honor them,” Coulston said.
The veterans display crosses include the person’s name, service and conflict, and also the month and year of death on some.
Coulston and Foley invite the community to email cathyfoley10@gmail.com with information on their loved ones for a cross. Folks can take a photo of the display, as well.
“We’re very patriotic,” Foley said. “I think a lot of Battle Ground is very patriotic. So we will continue to grow this and keep it going. It’d be nice to have this whole thing full of crosses in memory, eventually. Every year, we add a couple more.”
