On Monday, Sept. 9, soldiers, corporate sponsors and community leaders volunteered to install the flags in the 17th annual  Field of Honor at the Airborne Special Operations Museum.

“17 years ago, the Downtown Alliance, a business-to-business organization, started this fundraiser for the Airborne Special Operations Museum Foundation as a way to better connect the military community to the broader Fayetteville community. We are proud to carry the tradition on today,” shared Cool Spring Downtown District President & CEO Bianca Shoneman. 

The Field of Honor showcases hundreds of American flags arranged in a grid pattern on the museum’s parade grounds. Each flag honors a Veteran, active-duty service member or first responder, paying homage to those who have served and sacrificed for the country. Each flag comes with its own story and displays a tag identifying both the person who sponsored the flag and the flag honoree. 

This living display of heroism flies as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and honors all who are currently serving, those that have served, and the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s security and freedom.

“While the Field of Honor is up, visitation increases at the museum and throughout the downtown. It's an economic driver,” continued Shoneman. “People come to see their flags and honor their service member. Given Fayetteville’s vast history with Fort Liberty, it’s a very important connection between the city, our merchants and the military.” 

The display will be open to the public from Sep. 9 through Nov. 11. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include quotes from CSDD President & CEO Bianca Shoneman.