~~This cache is located in the Gold Star Memorial Veterans Park. Access to the cache requires you to enter the park. Outside the fence of the park facing the main highway, you should see white wooden crosses. Each of these crosses have the name of an individual who is from Wyoming who was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom (20 March 2003 – 15 December 2011) or during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (07 October to present day). After you enter the park, you will see the Fallen Soldier Cross.
The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross, Battlefield Cross or Battle Cross originated as a symbolic replacement of a cross on the battlefield or at the base camp for a soldier who has been killed. Made up of the soldier's rifle with bayonet attached stuck into the ground, helmet on top, dog tags sometimes hanging from the rifle and the boots of the fallen soldier next to it. Its purpose is to show honor and respect for the fallen at the battle site. This practice started around the time of the American Civil War.
Today the Fallen Soldier Cross is an immediate means of showing respect for the fallen among the still living members of the unit. It often is seen and used at a base camp after the battle in which the soldier is killed in action in (Afghanistan or Iraq). The use of the Fallen Soldier Cross is used less today as a means to identify the fallen but more as a private ceremony among those still living as a means to mourn, as attending the funeral is not always possible for soldiers still in the fight.
After looking at the Fallen Soldier Cross, you will next be able to see the large rock which has a plaque in it. This plaque represents local members of the community who served during WWII.
After looking at these sights, behind the large rock towards the alley will be the location of the cache. Please be careful when accessing the cache as there may be muggles around. While you are in the center area of Hudson, there are nearby homes and next to the park a bar so people may be out and about.
Again, like another cache I placed in Hudson, my GPS coordinates show different on Google maps than it does for the map that is used in the geocaching website to verify the coordinates when posting a new cache. If the coordinates are off (or correct for that matter) please leave in your note about the validity of the coordinates posted so I can make sure that they are correct or to let me know if I need to go back to verify the coordinates.