Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial

The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial at Fort Adams State Park turns the parade field into a quiet, expansive tribute on the Newport waterfront. You will walk among more than 7,000 combat boots set in precise rows, each paired with a flag and a name placard honoring a service member lost in the War on Terror. With Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge in view, the setting adds scale and perspective without pulling focus from the names in front of you.

You experience the memorial at your own pace on a self guided route across the grass. Families often use the walk to talk with children about service, while others come for a private moment of remembrance. You can pause in the Rhode Island section or search for specific names, and volunteers near the entrance may be able to direct you to the right row. Visitors sometimes leave flowers or small mementos, and the atmosphere stays respectful and subdued.

Admission is free, and the memorial is typically open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM throughout Memorial Day weekend. Arrive early for the most serene visit, or come near sunset for striking light on the flags with the harbor behind them. Plan for coastal conditions by bringing a windbreaker, sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground.

Parking is available inside Fort Adams State Park, but it can fill quickly on holiday afternoons, so build in extra time. The site is generally accessible, though grass can be challenging for some strollers and wheelchairs, especially after rain. Leashed dogs are usually permitted in the park, but keep them out of the memorial rows. Most visits take 45 to 90 minutes, and if you want to extend the outing, we recommend pairing it with a loop on the Fort Adams Bay Walk.