Deadline for Hayden bricks celebrating veterans Oct. 16

After standing guard to defend our country, the names of a few more servicemen and women will join a growing list of commemorated veterans in Hayden.

The city’s Veterans Commission is offering an opportunity to place the names of veterans on brick pavers outside Hayden City Hall as part of the PFC Robert J. Gordon Veterans Memorial Plaza, a tradition leading up to each Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to have a Memorial Day celebration this year, because of COVID-19,” said Suzanne Cano, Hayden’s director of recreation and community events, “but we’re going to try to have one this year for Veterans Day, including the bricks.”

Cano said the bricks have always been a successful and inspirational part of the day’s events, dating back to its 2008 inauguration.

“It’s a great way for the community to honor people who’ve served," she said. "We’re at the point now where, instead of reading all the names on every brick (during the ceremony), we’ll read off the newly installed names, because frankly, there are so many people who’ve served our country.”

Naming rights can be purchased for $100 for anyone who is serving or has served under honorable conditions in the United States Armed Forces. Residency in Hayden is not required. The deadline this year for purchase is Oct. 16.

Gordon was 19 years old in 1969 when the Marine from Hayden Lake was killed fighting in the Quang Nam province in South Vietnam. The plaza outside City Hall was re-dedicated to Gordon in 2009. More than 250 commemorative bricks line the plaza grounds, each with a few lines spelling out each veteran’s service.

To learn more about the Commemorative Brick Program and the PFC Robert J. Gordon Veterans Memorial Plaza, contact the Recreation and Community Events Department at 208-209-1080, stop in at City Hall at 8930 N. Government Way or visit the city’s website at www.cityofhaydenid.us.