In the peaceful hills of Kellogg, Idaho, Greenwood Cemetery is a sanctuary where stories of community, service, and sacrifice converge. Maintained through donations, city fees, and the dedication of city employees, the cemetery is especially breathtaking in early autumn, when the colorful leaves frame the solemn beauty of its grounds.
One of the cemetery’s most visible landmarks is a large cross overlooking the Silver Valley.
In late 2023, that symbol took on new life thanks to some help from Avista. The company helped install a new lightweight aluminum cross, finished with durable paint and energy-efficient LED lights, ensuring the site remained both functional and respectful. They also relocated the electric panel to make the site easier to use and maintain.
“Avista’s support means a lot to us,” said Mike Fitzgerald, Kellogg public works director. “I can’t put into words how wonderful it is to have local employees from such a large company. We’re thankful.”
Mayor Rod Plank echoed that sentiment: “I appreciate the professionalism and dedication of the local Avista employees. They’re connected to the community and truly know what they’re doing.” Thanks to their efforts, Greenwood Cemetery continues to serve as a place of dignity and remembrance – honoring veterans, their families, and all members of the community who are memorialized there.
This updated cross is part of the community’s larger, ongoing commitment to honoring those who came before. For many, that is especially visible in the spring when Memorial Day preparations begin.
Greenwood Cemetery has a dedicated veterans’ area, marked with brass plaques, and each year the city partners with the American Legion to pay tribute to the veterans who are laid to rest there.
In the days leading up to Memorial Day, Kellogg High School MCJROTC cadets place over 1,000 flags – one at each veteran’s grave. After about a week the flags are carefully collected, mended if needed, and stored for the following year.
Behind the scenes, this tradition is made possible by people like Linda Alldredge, a retired veteran. She’s spent countless hours identifying and mapping veterans’ graves, ordering flags and coordinating with cemetery staff to keep records up to date. In 2024, after nearly 35 years, she handed this momentous task over to Major Craig Petersen.
This kind of dedication reflects a deeper truth: remembrance at Greenwood isn’t limited to a single day.
The new cross stands as a beacon of gratitude and reverence. It’s more than a marker – it’s a promise that the lives and legacies of those who came before us will never be forgotten. And this Veterans Day, as flags flutter and families gather, that promise stands taller than ever.
Whether visiting Greenwood Cemetery or simply pausing to reflect, we honor those who gave so much, and ensure their light continues to shine.
Contact the Commander of American Legion Post 36, Julian Wheeler, at (208) 744-1016 to find out how you can help the north Idaho American Legion chapter. Or visit mylegion.org to choose from a variety of charities and funds to support programs that assist veterans and military families in need.
This is just one example of small communities powered by big hearts.
Kellogg is in Avista’s Idaho service territory and is home to about 2,000 Avista customers.
Visit mylegion.org to choose from a variety of charities and funds to support programs that assist veterans and military families in need.
Visit mylegion.org