Friday, November 9, 2012

The Healing Field of Honor


 I read in the newspaper yesterday that Rotary Hill part of Naperville's Riverwalk was transformed into a field of 2,012 American flags that are paying tribute to the service men and women from Thursday, Nov 8 - Tuesday, Nov 13.  This hill, which is being called "The Healing Field of Honor is a way for visitors to express patriotism and gratitude for our troops, as well as to raise funds to research medical issues that affect many veterans.


As I parked near the top of Rotary Hill, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the flags blowing in the breeze, hundreds of them waving their red, white & blue.  Rotary Hill is dominated by the presence of The Millennium Carillon that stands tall overlooking the entire field.


Walking around the park, taking pictures from every possible angle, ofcourse I had to capture this little cutie as her Mother had dressed her in red, white & blue just for this event.


We are encouraged to buy a flag in honor of a veteran either living or dead in order to raise money to help fund the traumatic brain injury research by Dr. Jim Kelly of Washington, D.C.  Many of our troops are surviving injuries they would not have in the past, but traumatic brain injuries are causing long-term problems.


Naperville hosted a Healing Field in 2009 which raised over $100,000. for the Fisher House of Hines V.A. Hospital in Chicago.


As I walked thru this field of American Flags a feeling of pride filled my soul.  Sometimes we have to be reminded of just how blessed we are to live in a country where our flag flies freely with no fear or shame, how fortunate we are to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.  God bless all those who have served and continue to serve to keep our freedom safe and our flag flying proudly.


Sharing with Kim & Xanthe's "5 on Friday" .  I think I bent the rules a bit the first time out on this newer theme....

"You can't separate peace from freedom, because no one can have peace without freedom."  ~  Malcom X

Until next time....

22 comments:

  1. seeing the field of flags is almost overwhelmingly beautiful. thank you, deanna.

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  2. We had something similar at my parent's retirement community last year...it was awe inspiring to see it in person. Your photos do it magnificent justice!

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  3. Amazing images.....and a wonderful cause. The field of flags is just awesome as is that cute little blonde!

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  4. On my walk this morning, I came acroos the way my community in which I live place flags. It was at the entrance to my commmunity and there are only small flags but it was fun to see at any rate. All I had with me was my cell phone so I took a few imgages with that. We have a wonderful momerial in our main park that was just finished last year. Every year at 11-11-11 in hour, minutes and seconds the sun shines through it's opening (weather premitting)and shines on the seal of the state. I hope to get a picture of it this weekend as it will be Sunday. Wish me luck. I always love to see how other cities display there flags. Your community did a bang up job.

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  5. This is a lovely tribute and sush a great way to raise money for a good cause.

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  6. A timely ... and poignant ... reminder. Thank you.

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  7. All those flags are simply stunning - I have no other words...

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  8. So beautiful! Your shots are so great and love the composition on all of them. What a cute shot of that darling little girl in her red white and blue. Such a great post, and would be an amazing place to visit!

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  9. Fabulous. I've always loved the American flag. In my painting days I painted it often. Wonderful 5. Wonderful photos.

    So much love. xo

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  10. Beautiful tribute photos. The little girl you captured is beyond precious!

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  11. Just seeing the picture of all those flags took my breath away! It would be amazing to see in person. Just beautiful,as is that little gal all in red, white and blue.

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  12. What a wonderful idea so moving to see all those flags the little girl stands as a beacon to the future.... Thanks for visiting me today on my blog Deanna

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  13. Incredible sight and powerful words - we are, indeed, a blessed country. Thank you for sharing this Deanna.

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  14. Beautiful post and photos honoring those who fight to keep us free. The little girl in the tutu is precious; so innocent. God bless them and the USA. The pics are absolutely marvelous.

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  15. What a wonderful post. Your photos are beautiful. I bet a huge sense of pride and gratitude was felt there in the sea of flags.

    Hope you have a happy weekend my friend.

    Hugs~

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  16. Our family is going tomorrow. Hope we can find the flag we got in memory of Jim's dad.

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  17. All those flags are an overwhelmingly beautiful.

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  18. Very lovely post and very lovely photographs of our beautiful American Flag. We have two flags at our home and we have a flag pole. We always hoist the flag on nice weather days. My Mom always commented on the American flag and how beautiful it was compared to other country's flags. I think that instilled a love for it, also. Thank you, Deanna!

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  19. We have every reason to be overwhelmed with beauty.

    Doesn't that the best thing in life.

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  20. Totally overwhelming. Knowing me? I'd cry!

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  21. What a beautiful and inspiring post.

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  22. What overwhelming beauty! This brought tears to my eyes as I read your words and looked at these photographs. We fly our flag proudly every day of the year, and since my husband is a member of the NY Army National Guard, and served in Iraq for 15 months, I really appreciate it when someone takes the time to show their pride in our country. What a great fundraising effort. I hope it brought in a lot of necessary money for those in need.

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