Field of Honor is a nine-day long fundraiser put on by the Rotary Club of Georgetown for Veterans Day in which individuals can purchase a full-size flag and dedicate it to a veteran or first responder, and for the first time this year—a K-9.
“This is not something you just see; it is something you feel because when you see that it just takes your breath away,” event Chair Jeanne Cox said.
Cox was inspired to start the event after seeing a similar one done by a Rotary Club in Southern California, where she used to live. She also had a personal connection to the military with her daughter Jennifer Ronchetto, who is currently serving her 17th year as a Navy foreman.
The money raised at the event—$130,000 last year—is split among five organizations selected by the Rotary Club and changes each year. This year the club decided to dedicate the money to organizations that revolve around post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide prevention, Cox said.
With sponsors funding the event, Cox said 100% of the proceeds from flag sales are given to the organizations. In its first year, the event had 1,500 flags with 1,800 flying the second year. Cox said she hopes the number grows to 2,000 this year.
The flags will be on display at the San Gabriel Park Activity Field from Nov. 9-17 and are free to view, Cox said. Flags can be purchased and reposted all week, she added.
Each flag is $40 and can be retrieved or mailed following the event, Cox said. Flags from a previous year’s event can also be reposted for $20, she said.
New this year: Individuals who do not have a specific person they would like to dedicate a flag to can adopt a local hero and dedicate a flag to a deserving member of the military or first responder, Cox said.
“[Field of Honor] is intended to inspire; it’s intended to get people to feel that sense of patriotism and gratitude,” Cox said.
Attend Field of Honor
While the flags are on display all week and are free to witness, here are other events you can attend:
Nov. 9 5K Honor Walk hosted by the Sertoma Club of Georgetown
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Nov. 10 Resource expo and static displays
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 10 Opening ceremonies
2-3:15 p.m.
Nov. 11 World War II and Korean War Veteran Tribute
2 p.m.
Nov. 15 Multi-club Rotary luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 16 Patriot’s Ball with dinner, dance and awards
5:30-10 p.m.
