In 2016, Operation Stand Down RI launched the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial, which now displays more than 7,000 combat boots adorned with flags and placards. Each boot represents a U.S. service member killed in action post 9-11 in the Global War on Terror.

The placard attached to each boot displays the name and photo of the fallen along with biographical information, military branch, rank and circumstances of death. The Memorial is updated yearly to incorporate additional U.S. service members killed in the ongoing Global War on Terror.

The boots, each adorned with a name placard and flag are organized alphabetically and by state and U.S. territories. This layout enables individuals with a personal connection to easily find a specific fallen hero’s boot. Often, family, friends, and comrades can be seen quietly paying their respects, sometimes leaving mementos. Since its inception, thousands of visitors from across the U.S. have attended the Boots on the Ground for Heroes display, held on Memorial Day Weekend and other times throughout the year.

For its first three years, the memorial was situated at Roger Williams Park in Providence. Since 2019, it has been displayed at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, one of the country’s oldest military posts, where it continues to be set up annually.

This year, the display is back at Fort Adam. The hours are as follows:

• Friday, May 23: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 24: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 25: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday, May 26: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Memorial Day)

Admission is free for all attendees.

The 2025 Veterans Day display of the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial at Fort Adams is made possible by AMGEN, The Tilley Family, Seasons Corner Market, Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, Corvias and IGT.