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Illuminating Courage
The Illuminating Courage Memorial honors
WA State & N Idaho Fallen Heroes
who served post-9/11 and died in service or
as a result of their service.
It doesn't matter whether these men and women died
in combat, training, accidents, from illness, PTSD, or suicide. It matters that they took an oath to defend America, placing our safety and security above their own.
Illuminating Courage represents them all,
holding tight to those who allow it to stand tall.
My Story
The Illuminating Courage Fallen Heroes Military Memorial represents many things. It is similar in form to a candle, yet unfurls like our flag. Its curving walls spiral inward, like arms embracing a loved one. This represents our community supporting the Gold Star families, and the families holding their memories close. One might see it as a hug or as a protective embrace, watching over the names of our Fallen Heroes. Protective, yet illuminating their stories.
Steel, stone and gleaming gold, traditional and durable materials, represent the strength and character of our service members. Lit from within, the sculpture shows the respect we as a community feel for these individuals that served and sacrificed for us. The glowing and reflected light represents the spirit of our service members, which will forever shine as an example for all citizens. The paver walkway allows the community to honor and remember their loved one’s service.
While the piece is large to draw visitors to the site, its wings also act as a shield for individuals desiring quiet solitude and reflection. Benches give the viewer a place to rest. The open plaza is large enough for gatherings, yet the interior, while open to the sky, offers a feeling of seclusion for private contemplation.
The clean lines of Illuminating Courage stand out against the Arena. The appearance of the sculpture will steadily change as the sun travels across the sky, revealing a play of light and shadow across the steel. Illuminating Courage is strong, resilient, and durable, yet it is not static. Light moves over the surface as we are moved by emotion, paying our respects to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
AAMOT, AARON
Birth Date :
Apr 12, 1987
Passing Date :
Nov 5, 2009
Hometown :
CUSTER
State :
WA
Branch :
ARMY
Rank :
E-4/Specialist
Fallen Story
Aaron Seth Aamot was born on April 12, 1987, in his grandmother’s house on the Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA. He was killed in action on November 5, 2009, in Afghanistan. Aaron was raised in Whatcom County on a small farm in Custer, WA. He was active in the Critters & Co. 4-H Club and the Ferndale FFA. The Whatcom Youth Fair and the Northwest Washington Fair were favorite events for Aaron. The attacks on September 11, 2001, gave Aaron the determination to serve his country in the armed forces. After graduating from Ferndale High School in 2006, he went to Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. After being stationed at Fort Lewis, Aaron enjoyed his role driving a Stryker vehicle in the newly formed 5th Stryker Brigade. The 5-2 SBCT deployed in July 2009 to the area around Kandahar. Aaron was driving his Stryker on a patrol when it hit a buried explosive. He is survived by his parents, Mark and Julie (Hinds) Aamot of Custer; siblings, Matthew (Angela), Joshua, Nellie (Ricky) Huisman, Benjamin (Catrina); Dale; Ethan; and Daniel. Grandparents are the late Arnold Aamot and Charlotte (Reeck) Aamot of Bellingham, and William and Donna (McDougle) Hinds of Sedro-Woolley. Aaron was a devoted uncle to nephews Elijah, Samuel, Oliver, and Nathaniel, and nieces, Evelyn, Janett, Ella, and Catherine. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those wishing to honor Aaron’s memory and service may do so at any ICU branch where a fund has been started to benefit the 4-H Youth Programs in Whatcom County. Aaron’s family also requests that the community keep the soldiers who are still in harm’s way and their families in prayer.