Field of Hopes and Dreams

In honor of Memorial Day and all that it represents, a local parochial school sponsored the "Field of Hopes and Dreams" at a local public park. There were 1200 flags in perfect lines each with a tag that stated, 'This Flag is Dedicated to..." with the name supplied by people who purchased them in memory of deceased veterans as well as in honor of living veterans. I purchased three flags: one in memory of my brother Tommy [Navy] which will be waving at my house, one in honor of my brother Paul [Air Force] which he will have at his house, and the third flag will fly at my son's house in memory of his father[ Army].There was a very moving ceremony at 7 PM on Saturday with a color guard, speaker or two, a band, and taps. After the Memorial Day weeekend is over, you return to the park and take your flag[s] home to fly as a 'forever ' prayer for your loved ones.

What a meaningful way to celebrate the essence of the day! You were able to honor your personal veterans while taking the time to recognize the true meaning of this national holiday. The community hosted a ceremony, the school benefitted from the sale of the flags [as it was a fund raiser], and there are 1200 more flags flying in honor of 'the red, white, and blue.' Wahoo!

Our testament happened as a result of a woman who while driving through Waterloo, NY [the official birthplace of Memorial Day] came upon "A Field of Hopes and Dreams" and was in awe of its powerful statement. She spearheaded the project and headed a committee to make it happen locally, and one year later, the dream became a reality. What an example of 'If you see something great, make it happen again so that more people can become involved.' This event touched the lives of many people, and was so successful that I have heard rumors of it happening again next year. There were many people who wished that they had known about it so that they could purchase and honor their relatives and friends in the military [past or present]. I hope that it becomes a reality for next year, too.

And there you have it! The ball is in your court. Perhaps your town, or city would be receptive to this awesome ceremonial testament to our veterans...

And let us not forget that there is also Veteran's Day in November.

Thank you to all of the people who got involved and made this happen both locally and on a personal yet public level.

Thank you to the many veterans, and their families whose lives are forever touched by service on behalf of our country.