Merced’s Field of Honor for veterans, first responders is almost here. How to get involved
Merced’s annual Field of Honor will commence Nov. 7 with a giant display of over 1,000 American flags standing tribute to those who have served in the military or law enforcement.
The commemorative display at the Merced College lawn has been put on by Merced Sunrise Rotary and the college every year since November 2013. With each flag flown bearing the name of a military or law enforcement member being honored, the event is intended to show community pride and patriotism.
“It makes me a little tingly to walk the field,” said Tim O’Neill, sponsorship chair of Merced Sunrise Rotary Field of Honor.
The annual event gives rise to countless special moments each year, O’Neill said, as families and loved ones wander the flags and thank those who serve. Many flags include attached stories of the individual being recognized. “I hope that they feel honored by it,” O’Neill said.
Spanning for a week including Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, the display is open all hours of the day and lit up at night for the community to visit.
The week-long event is also instrumental in raising funds solely for the benefit of veterans, active military members and first responders through flag sales and sponsorship. Merced’s Field of Honor typically raises about $20-30,000 on average each year, O’Neill said.
Community members can sponsor a new flag by purchasing one online at www.MercedFieldofHonor.org. Flags will fly through Nov. 13 and can be brought back to the next year’s Field of Honor to be flown again for a smaller fee.
Past Field of Honor funds have gone toward supporting scholarships and aid for veteran students at Merced College and UC Merced, as well as financial support to local VFW and American Legion posts, according to a Merced Sunrise Rotary news release.
Dollars raised from the event have aided with renovations at Castle Air Museum and funded the Merced Fire Department’s automatic CPR machines.
Non-profit groups looking to fund a project that would directly benefit veterans, active duty military or first responders can apply for a grant from the Field of Honor by visiting www.MercedSunriseRotary.org/grants.
The Merced College lawn will be staffed from 1-6 p.m. starting Nov. 6, with the opening ceremony kicking off Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. The Run for the Fallen also begins at 9 a.m. on Nov. 7 at the Merced College main lawn.
Residents can visit www.MercedFieldofHonor.org for more information about the event and volunteer opportunities.
“This event couldn’t possibly be done with the 40 or so members of our club. Its does take tons and tons of community volunteers,” O’Neill said. “It’s really a community participation event.”
