As the golden rays of the setting sun stretch over the Idaho landscape, our community prepares to welcome home one of its bravest sons, Captain Ben Moulton, in a tribute befitting a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Captain Moulton, a U.S. Marine and esteemed helicopter pilot, tragically lost his life during a routine training mission in the mountains outside of San Diego, along with four other dedicated Marines.
A native son of Emmett, Idaho, Ben’s journey from the hallways of Emmett High School, where he graduated in 2015, to the skies as a Marine Corps pilot is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, excellence, and his country. His sudden departure has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him and an indelible mark on our community that will forever cherish his memory.
This Thursday, February 22, marks a solemn and significant day as we honor Captain Moulton’s legacy and extend our deepest gratitude and respect for his service. His journey back home to Idaho, to the very roots where his dreams of flying first took wing, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who wear our nation’s uniform.
In honoring Captain Moulton’s memory, we invite our community and all who wish to pay their respects to join in two ceremonial acts of remembrance:
Motorcycle Riders: Gather at the Maverik in Boise at the corner of Cole and Victory by 2:00 p.m. Kickstands will rise at 2:30 p.m. for a group ride to Boise Airport. Together, we will escort Captain Moulton on his final journey home to Emmett, a powerful procession of roaring engines and fluttering flags, embodying the spirit of freedom he so bravely protected.
Emmett Homecoming: Assemble along the streets of Washington and Main in Emmett, armed with flags, heartfelt tributes, and the collective embrace of a community united in grief and gratitude. Please be in place no later than 4:30 p.m. to ensure a fitting welcome for our fallen hero as he returns to the soil he called home.
A Note of Caution: For the safety of all participants and to ensure the solemnity of the procession, we urge everyone to refrain from lining up or gathering on Hwy 16.
This Thursday, let us stand together as a community to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Captain Ben Moulton. In the simple acts of gathering, riding, and waving a flag, we offer a final salute to a man who gave everything in the service of his country. It’s a moment to reflect on the cost of freedom, the bonds that tie us to our heroes, and the enduring spirit of a small town united in honoring one of its own.
Captain Moulton’s final journey is not just a procession but a testament to the values he lived by and the principles he fought to uphold. Let us ensure that his welcome home reflects our love, respect, and admiration for him and all who have served and sacrificed.
As we prepare to say goodbye, let us also pledge to keep alive the memory of Captain Ben Moulton, a true American hero whose legacy will forever soar high above the mountains and fields of Idaho and in the hearts of all who cherished him.