6,900 U.S. Flags Comprise Healing Field

CATHEDRAL CITY — One of the most highly visible Veterans Day tributes in the Coachella Valley is a static display of more than 6,900 U.S. flags, which make up the Healing Field in Patriot Park.

This marks the 14th Annual Healing Field.

“Healing Field” is a tribute to the men and women of uniform who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country since September 2001.  The event is organized by the Noon and Evening Rotary Clubs of Cathedral City Rotary and sponsored by the City of Cathedral City.

Volunteers from Cathedral City High School, the American Legion, Desert Riders Association, Cathedral City Rotary and carefully staked U.S flags, one-by-one, in the ground and the Healing Field rose in a stunning expanse of red, white and blue. A gentle breeze whispered among the Stars and Stripes. Volunteers went about the task with a respectful degree of reverence and solemnity.

“Healing Field” began Nov. 9 with Opening Ceremonies, followed by the reading of names and the massive display of the American flags representing the fallen heroes.

The Healing Field is a place to pay respect to those who fought for the freedoms Americans enjoy and a place where family and friends can go and heal their hearts and their minds.

This year, Cathedral City Rotary is asking for help. It needs to buy, repair, or replace U.S. flags for the display. You are encouraged to adopt a fallen soldier flag display so that each soldier has his/her own flag and name tag attached. Please contact the Cathedral City Rotary at 760-578-1282.

To adopt a fallen soldier flag display, go to Ace Hardware in Cathedral City at the corner of 30th Avenue and Date Palm Drive and adopt a fallen soldier flag display for $25 for the Healing Field. Each kit includes the flag, rebar, pole, name tag, and funds to support the project.  All U.S. flags are made in America.  Donations are tax deductible.

Patriot Park is located next to Big League Dreams Sports Park at the corner of Date Palm Drive and Dinah Shore Drive.

Closing Ceremonies are set for Saturday, Nov. 16 at noon.