“Field of Honor” to pay tribute to Veterans, military, police, fire fighters and emergency responders
Hundreds of American flags will fly in precise formation on the front lawn of the Mercy Center on Blossom Road September 11 – 13 as part of the first Rochester-area “Field of Honor” that pays tribute to veterans, military personnel, police officers, fire fighters and emergency responders. Each 3-foot by 5-foot flag in the Field of Honor will bear the name of an honored group or individual and contain additional information, such as the individual’s rank, branch of service, war/campaign served or organization.
“The Field of Honor is an opportunity for people to express appreciation and remember all those who have defended, protected, rescued, and responded to someone’s call for help,” said Terry Parks, executive board member for Mercy Bridges, the nonprofit organization hosting the event. “These individuals continuously place the well-being of others before their own and put themselves in harm’s way for others. Sadly, some have paid the ultimate price in the line of service. The Field of Honor is a patriotic tribute to those who have served and continue to serve their country and community.”
Flags to be displayed in the Field of Honor can be purchased for $40 by visiting www.mercybridges.org or calling 585-288-2710 ext. 121. A limited number of flags are available for purchase, and the deadline for purchasing a flag is August 20. The proceeds from the sale of flags will support Mercy Bridges, a Rochester-based nonprofit organization that teaches people how to read and write English.
The Field of Honor will officially open at 10 a.m. Friday, September 11 with the Perinton Post Color Guard’s display of the colors. Veterans Outreach Center CEO Todd Baxter and Paramedic and Vice President of the North East Quadrant Advanced Life Support and Captain of West Webster Fire Department Syed Ahmed Mustafa will deliver opening remarks.
On Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m., a closing ceremony will feature remarks by U.S. Army Major General Norbert Rappl, who served two years active duty in Korea and 33 years in the Army Reserves. General Rappl commanded the 98th Infantry Division in the Army Reserves. Also speaking will be John Merklinger, director of the Rochester Emergency Communications Department, which responds to more than 1 million emergency and 9-1-1 calls each year.
The ceremonies will also include performances by the Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drum and Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women choir.
“We are excited to host this type of event for our community,” said Parks. “In 2011, a similar event was held at Ontario Beach in Rochester on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack to recognize the 343 fire fighters who lost their lives in the attack on the Twin Towers. We wanted to build on that event and expand our event to recognize all those who have given and continue to give so selflessly. This is the first event in the Rochester area that does that, and we are proud that Mercy Bridges could host it.”
Located at the Mercy Center at 1437 Blossom Road in Rochester, the Field of Honor will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 11 – 13. Admission is free and all are welcome to tour the field and take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices made by the individuals honored on the flags. While closed for tours after 5 p.m., the flags in the Field of Honor will be illuminated and guarded from dusk to dawn as part of a solemn
vigil.
Provided information
