The sixth annual Murrieta Field of Honor, set among a spectacular sight – 2,014 full-sized American flags in Murrieta’s Town Square Park, will offer new features from November 9 through 15 while maintaining its commitment to recognize heroes. “Heroes” are those who served or are serving in the United States armed forces, law enforcement, fire and other first responder posts, and other personal heroes.
The Field of Honor is presented as a community service by the Rotary Club of Murrieta in partnership with the City of Murrieta and is held in the park, located just two blocks off of I-15, and stretching from City Hall at Jefferson and Kalmia streets, to the Library. Most Town Square Park events and the display are free and open to all.
As the flags are being placed in perfect rows in the Park on Saturday, November 8, dozens of chalk artists will be creating patriotic works of art on the sidewalks surrounding the park. In addition to the 2,014 American flags, Rotary members and other volunteers will create a section of historic American flags, one for Medal of Honor recipients from California and yet another honoring Local Heroes, those who have died while serving in conflicts since 2001.
Area businesses and individuals are invited to join in sponsoring the Field of Honor events and displays. Sponsorships ranging from $500 to $10,000 are available to help in making the Field of Honor a success. In addition, individuals may purchase flags and designate them in honor of their heroes to fly among the 2,014 during the week.
Opening day ceremonies are scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, a day that will honor first responders, and a full week of activities will follow, highlighted by a Patriots’ Ball on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the nearby Community Center.
“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, 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. Flag purchasers can pick up their flags after the closing ceremonies on Saturday, Nov. 15, and on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. until noon.
Net proceeds from the 2014 Field of Honor will benefit the “Murrieta Through Time” history walk, the City’s Veterans’ Memorial, both at Town Square Park, and other community projects funded by the Rotary Club of Murrieta Foundation. Nonprofit groups affiliated with the Field of Honor to sell flags will receive $10 for each flag sold.
Furthering the Field of Honor’s educational benefits, all Murrieta Valley Unified School District fifth grade classes will visit the Field during the week of Nov. 10, hear explanations about the displays and complete class assignments.
Events during the week include:
Sat. Nov. 8 – 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Chalk artists developing patriotic images
Sun. Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, honoring first responders.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Chalk artists developing patriotic images
Mon. Nov. 10 – Noon, Rotary Veterans Luncheon (by invitation) 2 p.m. US Marines 239th birthday celebration
Tues., Nov 11 – 10 a.m. – City of Murrieta’s Veterans Day Parade, concluding at Town Square Park
Wed., Nov. 12 – 6 p.m., Candlelight Ceremony features choirs from the Murrieta middle schools and a reading of “Letters from War” by the Regal Players.
Sat., Nov. 15 –2 p.m., “Day of Remembrance” Closing Ceremonies – 6 p.m., Patriots Ball
Business and private sponsorships are important contributors to the Field of Honor’s success. Early sponsors for the 2014 event include Abbott, AltaPacific Bank; Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery, MD; Bamm Promotional Products; Barragan Corp International; Bennett & Bennett, APC; Marsha and Bob Brown; BP John Recycling; Bryant and Associates, Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley; Mickie Evans; Excel Landscaping; Glass Doctor; International Mobel Group Furniture, Kaiser Permanente; Near Cal; Pechanga; Rancho Ford, ReStore (Habitat for Humanity); Rosenstein and Hitzeman; Securitas, Inc.; Security Bank of California; Stromsoe Insurance, State Farm (Dick Lawe), George Steele; Mike Shirley; Temecula Hyundai; The Valley Business Journal and Dr. James D. Yanoschik, DDS.
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, 40651 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, in Murrieta. For information regarding the club or membership visit www.murrietarotary.org or call President President Craig Carper, 951-541-3814.