Back in late August, The Healing Field of Honor-Naperville 2012 Committee hosted the “Wave the Flag” Launch Party at the Riverwalk Eatery by Rotary Hill, nearly ten weeks in advance of the exhibit to be held in conjunction with Veterans Day.

Then on Nov. 8, volunteer committee members again set up in the Riverwalk Eatery to provide awareness and information, selling American flags on 8-ft. poles for the Field of Honor as it returned to Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville.

As Veterans Day began to wind down with all its gratitude and tributes, the committee that organized, planned and assembled the exhibit with 2,012 American flags  looked toward the end its 6-day run that continued to attract thousands of visitors through Nov. 13.

What an experience and a great way to  say “thanks!”

Veterans Day ’11-11-11′

During the annual Veterans Day celebration at 11AM to honor all veterans and military families for their sacrifices, plenty of music, tributes, poetry and gratitude were included in the 1-hour program.

The poem “Freedom” by Barbara Cox was recited as it had been on Veterans Day 2009 by the late Bill Frier, a U.S. Navy veteran, who died a year ago at age 92. This time, the poem was read by Frier’s son, Craig.

Freedom by Barbara Cox

Freedom is thirteen stripes and fifty stars

A uniform decorated with ribbons and bars

An Iowa farm with its fields of corn

Church bells ringing on a Sunday morn

Freedom is over head missiles, a battle group at sea

For the price of Freedom has never been free

It’s Marines and Soldiers hunkered in a fox hole

A nation banned together in a common goal

Freedom is living and working side by side

To dare to hope and opportunities tried

People coming to the aid of a stranger

Putting their own lives in the path of danger

Freedom is apple pie and the girl next door

A small town with a mom and pop store

It’s baseball, reunions, it’s the forth of July

A lump in our throats as the flag passes by

Freedom is the compassion that we have for our own

Standing shoulder to shoulder when disaster hits home

Our symbol the Eagle, so let Freedom soar

It’s principles and standards, Americans died for.

The keynote address was given by Dr. James Kelly, Director of National Intrepid Center of Excellence. In his remarks, the neurologist, known as one of the nation’s  experts in treating concussions, addressed the importance of funding research. Conducting research, diagnosis and treatment plans will provide much-needed help for members of the military with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Some visitors asked, “Why 2,012 flags?”

Organizers of the 2012 Field of Honor said the exhibit was up three flags from 2,009 three years ago,  uniting the community with an opportunity to remember and honor the men and women of the U.S. Military.  The number of flags on Rotary Hill  represents the year. The proceeds from this commemorative event will benefit Operation Support Our Troops – America, designated to fund new and better treatments for veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD.

Flag pick up is 9AM-Noon Nov. 17

According to Chuck Papanos of the Naperville Park District, all 2,102 flags were taken down on Tues., Nov. 13, within two hours. Many individuals who had purchased flags picked them up that afternoon.  Arrangements to pick up the remaining flags are 9AM to noon on Sat., Nov. 17, at the Riverwalk Eatery at Rotary Hill.

Flags with pole and hang tag — $35

Flags for the Healing Field of Honor were available for  purchase at $30. Individuals could dedicate a flag with a “Tag of Honor” for $35.

Donations always are welcome! To make a donation of any size, contact Anna Zimmerman, Fundraiser Chair, at annaz@wowway.com.

For more information or to sponsor and/or order an American flag, visit http://www.healingfield.org/naperville-il-2012/ or contact a member of the 2012 Field of Honor Committee.

Thanks to the 2012 Field of Honor Committee

Thanks to all the volunteers on the 2012 Healing Field of Honor Committee: Project Chair- David Wentz; Co-Chair-Deb Wolfe; Fundraising Chair-Anna Zimmerman; PR/Marketing Chair-Veronica Porter; Program Chair-Jack Shiffler; Volunteer Chair-Brad Wilson; Field Coordinator Chair-Ray McGury;  and committee members Tim Belgio, David Byrne, Kevin Finnegan, Wayne Fischer, Patti Gustin, Paul Hinterlong, Jim Hoch, Sue Liston, Mike Maher, Chuck Papanos, Deb Rickert, David Szablewski, Carl Schnibben, Tim Sleep, Linda Tuisi, Marty Walker and Bettye Wehrli.

And thanks to many, many volunteers!

Thanks also to sponsors!

2012 Sponsors are Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873; American Legion Post 43; Exchange Club of Naperville, Naperville Noon Lions Club; Advanced Data Technologies; Toby Hayer (In Memory of William G. Hayer WWI Army Veteran); Colonial Flag Foundation; Naperville Township;  Naperville Bank & Trust; Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 42; Ancel Glink Law Firm; Brooks, Tarulis & Tibble, LLC; Positively Naperville; Minuteman Press;  Fast Signs; Glancer Magazine and Belgio’s Catering.

Healing Field of Honor-Naperville 2012 also is sponsored by Operation Support Our Troops – America and the Naperville Park District. Proceeds from the Field of Honor will benefit Operation Support Our Troops America.

For more details, visit http://www.healingfield.org/naperville-il-2012/. Or contact Veronica Porter at (630) 717-0716 or veronicasporter@gmail.com.

According to organizers, the next Field of Honor likely will feature 2,015 American flags in 2015. Save the dates!

FYI: For other posts with photos, use the search tool and search “Field of Honor” or “Healing Field.” Thanks for reading.