For 16 years, the North Carolina Field of Honor® has been a hallmark of Downtown Fayetteville from September 11 through November 12, Veterans Day. The Cool Spring Downtown District is proud to work with the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation as a partner in the 16th Annual Field of Honor®, which will be located on the parade grounds of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation at 100 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

A tradition first started in Utah in 2002 as a memorial for the fallen heroes of 9/11, the fields of flags have expanded to encompass tributes to all members of the U.S. military, whether currently serving, a veteran, or a member who has made the supreme sacrifice. The Field of Honor® is also a celebration of civic pride and an opportunity to educate the community about our community’s history and the important contributions of those who sacrificed their lives to keep others safe.

Community members are invited to honor their service members during the 16th Annual Field of Honor®. Each flag in the field displays a tag identifying the person who sponsored the flag and the person who is being honored. To sponsor a $35 Field of Honor® Flag, go to https://shop.asomf.org/field-of-honor or visit the Airborne & Special Operations Gift Store, also located at 100 Bragg Boulevard.

Honoring members of the military is an important and meaningful practice for several reasons. Military personnel willingly put their lives on the line to protect their country and its citizens. They endure long deployments, separation from their families, and face dangerous situations. Honoring veterans is a way to recognize and appreciate their selfless service and the sacrifices they make to ensure our safety and freedom, and raise awareness about the care, respect, and recognition veterans deserve after their service.

Demonstrating appreciation and support for their service is a small gesture that can have a profound impact on their lives and the collective spirit of the nation. Honoring the military also expresses the patriotism of our community and helps to foster a deeper connection between citizens and the military and a strong sense of national identity. In addition, the act of publicly honoring and appreciating military service can encourage individuals to consider a career in the military and help improve retention rates by showing existing members that their dedication is valued and appreciated.

Recognizing military personnel also is important to their families, who often endure painful separations and other challenges during their family member’s deployment and active service. 

The Field of Honor® is an important community tradition that pays tribute to the strength and unity of Americans and honors all who have made sacrifices for our nation’s security and freedom. The field of flags conveys gratitude, respect, and support for the dedication our military services members have to protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

We are grateful for their generosity and support of many local sponsors. If you or your business would like to sponsor the 16th Annual Field of Honor, please email bianca@coolspringfay.org.