Set up on Nov. 8, the first two days at the Naperville Field of Honor at Rotary Hill welcomed a time for visitors to see 2,012 American flags on 8-foot poles nearly stand still in the calmness.

Occasional winds stirred slight movement from row to row, a stark contrast to the motion that seemed to unite 2,009 flags three years ago at the same location.

About 9:30AM Sat., Nov. 10, shortly after the ceremony at the Naperville Municipal Center to begin observing the U.S. Marine Corps 237th birthday, the American flags were waving freely in the distance.

Families were attracted to Rotary Hill where they were taking photos, pausing to reflect as they walked through the aisles of flags, and reading heartfelt messages of gratitude on the yellow commemorative tags tied onto the flag poles with yellow ribbons.

Then a sudden thunder storm blew into the city. Many visitors at Rotary Hill scattered.

By 2PM Saturday, the flags again were gently waving under partly sunny skies.

Salute our Veterans at ’11-11-11′

Veterans from the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43 again will host their annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11AM Sun., Nov. 11. This year, the observance will be at the base of Moser Tower at Rotary Hill. The Naperville Municipal Band will perform beginning about 10:30AM.

Hosted by the Naperville Park District and the Exchange Club of Naperville, the spectacular field of flags will be on exhibit until Tues., Nov. 13. Individual flags with a pole and a commemorative hang tag are $35 and available for purchase at the Riverwalk Eatery at the base of Rotary Hill. All donations are welcome to help raise funds in support of programs offered by Operation Support Our Troops America.

Every time you visit, it’s a different experience depending on the sky, the wind and the other visitors who happen to be there at the time.

Click any photo to enlarge the gallery.