An unmatched spectacular sight – 2,013 full-sized American flags will be on display in Murrieta’s Town Square Park from Saturday, Nov. 9th through Saturday, Nov.16th. The Murrieta Field of Honor, celebrating its fifth year recognizes those who served or are serving in the United States armed forces, law enforcement, fire and other first responder posts as well as other personal heroes.
The Field of Honor is presented by the Rotary Club of Murrieta in partnership with the City of Murrieta, and is held in the park which stretches from City Hall at Jefferson and Kalmia streets to the Library.
Several special events are planned during the week the flags are flying. The City’s annual Veteran’s Day parade will be held Monday, Nov.11th starting at 10 a.m. Opening day ceremonies are scheduled for
1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9th.
“Everyone has the opportunity to honor a veteran, those currently serving, loved ones or personal heroes by flying a flag in the Field of Honor,” said Bob Bryant, past president of the Murrieta Rotary Club and chairman of the Rotary Club’s Field of Honor organizing committee. “Each purchased flag will be tagged with the name and rank, service or other designation. At the end of the week, flags may be picked up by those who purchase them.”
Each American flag is three by five feet on an eight foot pole and can be purchased for $35. They can be purchased on the Field of Honor website, www.murrietafieldofhonor.com , from nonprofit affiliates or by going to the Field of Honor during the week it is on display. After the closing ceremonies on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. until noon, flag sponsors may pick up their flags.
Net proceeds from the Field of Honor benefit the “Murrieta through Time” history walk and the City’s Veterans’ Memorial, both at Town Square Park.
New this year, is a planned motorcycle run which will culminate at the 1 p.m at Opening Ceremonies and First Responders Day. Events during the week include a Candlelight Ceremony with Murrieta middle school choirs and a reading of “Letters from War” on Tuesday, Nov. 12th. The celebration of the U.S. Marines 238th birthday will at noon on Sunday, Nov. 10th. On Wednesday, Nov. 13th, will be Rotary Day at the Field with all Rotarians welcomed at the luncheon. Veterans will be guests of Rotary. A chalk art display, featuring the work of local artists, will be on display adjacent to the field.
Business and private sponsorships are important contributors to the Field of Honor’s success. Early sponsors for the 2013 event include Pechanga, Rosenstein & Hitzeman, Murrieta Valley Funeral Home, Loma Linda University Medical Center- Murrieta, Excel Landscape, Securitas, Western Municipal Water District, State Farm Insurance, and the Law Offices of Dennis F. Fabozzi.
The Rotary Club of Murrieta was chartered on April 28, 1992. The club is involved in many international and community projects in cooperation with Rotary International, which has as its theme “Service Above Self.” Club meetings are held Mondays (excepting holidays) at noon at Richie’s Diner in Murrieta. For information regarding the club or membership visit www.murrietarotary.org or call President Patsy Orr, 951-693-5589.