Rotary Club of Winchester’s Healing Field of Honor

In a heartfelt session of 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael shared an inspiring conversation with Dan Abel, a member of the Rotary Club of Winchester. The discussion centered around the Healing Field of Honor, an annual event presented this year by Navy Federal Credit Union, which honors heroes with a majestic display of American flags at Handley High School every Memorial Day weekend.

Janet began the show introducing Dan, who clarified that the Healing Field of Honor began as a post-COVID community initiative by the Rotary Club. Dan detailed the event's origin five years ago, motivated by a desire to unite the community after the period of isolation. The result is a stunning visual of 800 American flags, each dedicated to a hero, be it veterans, first responders, or even local heroes like nurses and caregivers.

Dan explained the heartfelt backstory behind each flag. Sponsors dedicate these flags to their heroes, and each flag carries a tag listing the hero's name and story. The flagged field transforms into a living narrative of bravery and service, creating a powerful and emotional experience for anyone visiting. Some flags are taken home by their sponsors, while others are adopted for the event, allowing ongoing participation and remembrance.

The Healing Field of Honor isn’t just about the flags. The event kicks off the Thursday before Memorial Day with a grand ceremony featuring music, flyovers, and even skydivers. This year’s ceremony is on May 22nd. The closing ceremony occurs on Memorial Day itself, providing a more solemn reflection and honoring Gold Star families, flanked by patriotic songs and the symbolic 13 folds of the American flag.

Dan highlighted the community spirit and broad involvement in the event. Local businesses and volunteers contribute various resources and services. Winchester Equipment, for instance, provides essential items for setting up the field. Meanwhile, Navy Federal Credit Union has notably stepped up their support this year, both financially and by mobilizing volunteers.

Further expanding its impact, the Rotary Club has introduced new features over the years. A notable addition is the Heroes Hill, which hosts veteran services organizations. These groups offer vital support to veterans, from administrative help to leisure activities like fly fishing.

Adding a personal touch, this year’s event will also capture oral histories on video, ensuring the stories of these heroes are preserved. This initiative could lead to a documentary project, enriching future events with poignant narratives.

Janet emphasized the wide array of community contributions facilitated by the Rotary Club, all of which underscore the importance of service-oriented organizations in local life. Dan concluded by urging people to visit the Healing Field, stressing that anyone can participate and honor a hero, even at the last minute.

For more information or to get involved, listeners were directed to visit the Healing Field's website at healingfieldwinchester.com or the Rotary Club of Winchester's site at rotaryclubofwinchester.org. As the conversation wrapped up, Janet and Dan both expressed their earnest hope to see the community come together to honor and remember their heroes in this powerful display of unity and gratitude.