Community Corner
'Field of Honor' for Vets Comes to Trenton
An arrangement of American flags filled the fields at the Kennedy Recreation Center to honor veterans and those currently serving in the military.
Dozens upon dozens of American flags waved and flapped together last Saturday at the Kennedy Recreation Center in Trenton as part of a Field of Honor event.
The event, hosted by the Trenton Exchange Club and the Trenton War Monuments Project, saw about 100 flags lined up, each representing someone currently serving in the military or a veteran of conflicts stretching back over 100 years. Yet the origin of these Field of Honor events is a much more recent one.
“Flags were used to commemorate those who died in the 9/11 attacks,” said Ira Neubauer of the Exchange Club, describing the history of the events. “They became a support and healing experience.”
Find out what's happening in Trenton Grosse Ilewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Neubauer went on to describe other benefits of the program, which include gathering funds for worthy causes, generating awareness for issues such as child abuse and “healing hearts.” He went on to say that flags have been used to honor not just the military, but first responders, drunk driving accidents and 1776 “flags of freedom.”
Over the course of the 40-minute closing ceremony, poems about the American flag and war veterans were read by presenters from Trenton’s government and the Exchange Club, while names of honorees were listed off.
Find out what's happening in Trenton Grosse Ilewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bagpipers from Sun Parlour Pipes & Drums and members of Boy Scout Troop 1721 were also on hand to take part in the ceremony, providing music and going through the ceremonies to present and retire the colors.
Lt. Gen. Ronald Sams also gave an address, describing the importance of the flag to the armed forces.
“Do you see people from Ohio pledging allegiance to the Michigan flag?” asked Sams. “The flag is what unites the United States.”
With the flag on aircraft, tanks, and servicemen and women’s uniforms, he said, it has been with us in every battle. He added that it is a humbling and emotional experience to present a flag to a war widow, and that it is the men and women serving the country that give us the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Only one change to the anticipated program was made, when the Downriver Honor Guard was unable to provide a 21-gun salute due to being needed at a funeral.
