Healing Fields is a national program run by the Colonial Flag Foundation, a Utah-based organization. The first healing fields display was created in 2002 to honor those killed on 9/11.
Now, said Frank Lewis, owner of Jackson Lytle, organizations can establish a field of flags for whatever cause they feel is worthy. Lewis and his team chose Honor Flight and have raised more than $13,000, he said.
“The time to honor our veterans is now,” Lewis said. “They have all sacrificed something so we can enjoy the freedom we have today.”
City of Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland was on hand to proclaim the day, which was also the 66th anniversary of D-Day, as Springfield’s Healing Fields Flag Memorial Day.
The work to create the display was done in part by volunteers from the local chapter of Patriot Guard Riders, a national motorcycle group that attends funeral services of fallen soldiers at the request of the family.
Gary Carpenter, a Patriot Guard member from Springfield, said he initially approached Lewis to be sure the funeral home owner knew the group’s service was available, then Lewis invited the group to help with the Healing Fields project.
“This has been very rewarding. There’s nothing more beautiful than a brand new American flag,” said the Army veteran who served from 1960 to 1966.
Flags, sold for $25 or $30 each, are available to individuals and companies.
The flags will be displayed until June 14. Anyone interested in purchasing a flag can call Lewis at (937) 399-2811 or log on to healingfield.org/springfield.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.
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