Organizers of the Wake County Field of Honor, originally set for May, have rescheduled the event to Labor Day weekend and have moved much of their fundraising efforts online.
More than 400 U.S. flags will fly in tribute to all veterans, first responders and medical professionals at the Exchange Club of West Raleigh Baseball Complex from Friday, Sept. 5, to Monday, Sept. 7. The free event relies on the support of the community, and fundraising efforts have been hampered due to the pandemic and resulting limitations on public gatherings.
“We had planned to hold the event on Memorial Day weekend, but out of concern for our visitors and volunteers, this change was necessary,” said Randy Hall, chair of the organizing committee. “Since our members can’t get out into the community and be at their workplaces, churches, and meetings, we just have to adapt and go online. We really need the support of the community now more than ever.”
Flags in the display may be dedicated to members of our armed forces, veterans, first responders, and medical professionals. Identified by special tags, these flags may be sponsored for $35, and the flag with its tag will be received by sponsors as a memento of the event. Proceeds will raise funds to support charitable programs of Wake County Exchange Clubs.
The state stay-at-home order and gradual reopening have presented a challenge for the project, says Hall. He asks area residents to support the project by purchasing a flag on the Wake County Field of Honor website: https://www.healingfield.org/event/raleigh20/
The first flag will be posted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, at the baseball complex, located at 830 Barringer Drive, Raleigh. A salute to all branches of the armed forces will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7 (rain or shine). The field will be available to tour 24 hours a day until 1 p.m., Sept. 7.
“We invite the community to walk among the flags and be part of this special event during the Labor Day weekend,” Hall said. “We think it will be part of the healing process for our country as we recover from the current medical crisis.”
Exchange Clubs in Wake County include: The Exchange Club of Fuquay-Varina, The Exchange Club of New Hope Wilders Grove, The Exchange Club of North Raleigh, The Peak City Exchange Club of Apex, The Exchange Club of Raleigh, The Exchange Club of Swift Creek Township, and The Exchange Club of West Raleigh.
