by Dana Willard, Round Rock East Stake Media Specialist
GEORGETOWN, Texas — Citizens of Georgetown honored veterans this week with its third annual Field of Honor which displays 1,500 full-sized United States flags in an open area at San Gabriel Park. Hosted by Georgetown’s Rotary Club, it is a sight to be seen and felt, as viewers reflect on those who have given their lives and continue to serve the country.
Each flag placed on the field is tagged with the name of a veteran or first responder. The flags stand in grid formation, 24 hours a day, with the grounds illuminated at night, and will be displayed until Sunday morning, Nov. 17. Attendees can climb the elevated platform for a higher overall view. The goal of this free event is to pay tribute to veterans and to celebrate the United States flag and country.
Jeanne Cox, event chair for Field of Honor and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hopes the event will inspire patriotism and educate children through school field trips while promoting unity and an effort to live the Rotary Club motto of “service above self.”
“Every flag that is dedicated, every child and teacher who visits, and every person who attends the Field of Honor throughout the week,” Cox said, “contributes to the groundswell of community patriotism and gratitude. Whether you walk in reverent silence among the flags, come to enjoy the events…or stand quietly in awe of the majesty of the waving flags…the Field of Honor is not something you see…it is something you feel in your heart.”
The motto of service above self rings true through the many volunteers who help make the Field of Honor possible. From setting up flags to being a docent on site, each is honored to assist.
Christianna White is a volunteer through her American Heritage Girls Troop 1045. She works as a docent, helping people find their flags and spending time with veterans. Her favorite is “at night time when all the lights are on and the shadows are crisscrossed in the center of the field, and sometimes it’s misty. That’s really pretty,” she said.
White’s mother, Denise White, who volunteers as the field director, explained that each flag tells a story about the person it represents. “We’ve had a mother with a small child come out for a flag for her husband (and the girl’s father). He was killed in action. We have moments out here that will break your heart. And then we have moments that will fill your heart with joy. But really, come out to the field. See it and be a part of it,” she said.
The week-long celebration of remembrance which started three years ago, has several happenings each day.
Activities have included a 5K Honor Walk, the Devil Dog airplane flyovers, Fort Hood’s 1st Cavalry Band, the award winning Georgetown Eagles High School marching band, live canons, army tanks and other vehicles provided by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. The event wraps up on Nov. 16 with the annual Patriot’s Ball, held at the Sheraton Hotel in the heart of Georgetown.
Visit the Field of Honor website for a full list of events and schedule. https://www.georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org/
(PHOTOS/Dana Willard)