Display of 2,000 flags in Akron will honor veterans

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by Chelsia Marcius

Reporter

Summit County Veterans Service Commission project manager David Burden will watch his son depart for Afghanistan on July 11 to serve in the War on Terror.

During the same week, he said he will honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

More than 150 community volunteers have assembled 2,000 American flags atop 8-foot poles, creating a 2-acre Field of Honor to commemorate past and present members of the armed forces. The display will be in place for three days this month at the Summit County Veterans Service Commission's new site at South Arlington and East Waterloo roads in Akron. The commission's new facility is expected to open in November 2009.

"To talk to those who draw strength from their own loss and to see people mobilizing [toward this effort] has been a rewarding experience," Burden said. "We want to identify our new location to the vet community, where our services are going to be and give them an idea of what we're all about."

According to Burden, the concept for a Field of Honor originated from the Colonial Flag Foundation's Healing Field, a national tribute to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Field of Honor ceremonies specifically recognize veterans and those in active duty, giving visitors an opportunity to support the armed forces.

"When most vets finish with their service they put it behind them," said Jack Ryan, Veterans Service Commission of Summit County commissioner. "But when people take the effort to compliment them they appreciate [the gratitude], and you take a certain amount of pride in that."

Volunteers will raise the flags on July 10 at 8 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony from 5 to 6 p.m. at the corner of South Arlington and East Waterloo roads in Akron. The Field of Honor will be open to the public from July 11 to 13 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new 16,000 square-foot veterans facility will begin at 11 a.m. on July 12 and the closing ceremony for the Field of Honor will take place on July 13 at 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will fund a permanent Summit County Veterans' memorial and assist in the restoration of memorials throughout the county.

For more details on the Field of Honor project, call Burden at 330-643-7636 or visit www.healingfield.org/akron.

E-mail: cmarcius@recordpub.com

330-688-0088 ext. 3145