The 2012 Field of Honor is set for the next week to attract visitors who want to pay tribute to veterans and the American spirit of freedom.
Click any photo to enlarge the gallery of pictures taken at 8:30AM, Nov. 8.
Under overcast skies, 2,012 American flags were standing still early Nov. 8 as photographers already had arrived to take photos of the impressive display. Broad paths lead across Rotary Hill to encourage visitors to walk into the exhibit. Commemorative hang tags tied on with yellow ribbons are emblazoned with grateful messages, recognizing veterans and military men and women as well as other Americans for their service to this nation.
Naperville’s Field of Honor, first displayed on Rotary Hill in 2009 with 2,009 American flags, returns this year after three years to welcome visitors through 2,012 flags until Tues., Nov. 13.
The Moser Tower will provide tours up to its observation deck during the weekend for a spectacular overview of the Field of Honor. Proceeds from the tours will go to Operation Support Our Troops America. Tours run from 10AM-4PM Saturday and noon to 6PM Sunday.
At 11AM Sun., Nov. 11, the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and the American Legion Post 43 will observe Veterans Day at Rotary Hill. The public is invited. The Naperville Municipal Band also will perform patriotic medleys prior to the ceremony. Remember “11-11-11.”
Commemorative flags & tags are still available
Flags can still be tagged. Simply stop by the Riverwalk Eatery at the base of Rotary Hill to purchase a flag and a commemorative tag for $35. At the end of the exhibit, flags can be picked up or donated back to the Field of Honor Committee for future use during Naperville’s parades and other patriotic events.
All donations of any size are welcome
All proceeds from flag sales go toward programs organized by Operation Support Our Troops America. Not only does OSOT America send care packages and large over-stuffed holiday stockings to the troops serving in harm’s way, the nonprofit organization has expanded its services to military families upon their return. Funds raised from the 2012 Field of Honor will go toward initiatives to create new and better treatments for veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Location and Parking
Rotary Hill is located at 443 W. Aurora Ave., along the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville. In addition to parking at the top of Rotary Hill off Aurora Ave., additional parking is accessible from lots and street-side along Jackson Avenue, just steps over the foot bridges to the Riverwalk.
The set up of the Field of Honor with American flags again was coordinated by the Naperville Park District and the Exchange Club of Naperville with the assistance of dozens of volunteers and sponsors.
