Fields of Valor (formerly known as “Healing Field”) event Planned at Patriot Park

CATHEDRAL CITY — For the 15th consecutive year, the Rotary Clubs of Cathedral City are staging the annual “Fields of Valor” (formerly known as “Healing Field”) event in Patriot Park from Nov. 5 to Nov. 12. It is one of the most stunning and reverent tributes to the nation’s heroes around.

If you have never been there, it is a must-see tribute. Walk among the flags, read the names and be still. Listen.

“Fields of Valor” honors the men and women from California who served in our military and gave the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam. It is located at Patriot Park, 33998 Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City.

This year’s event marks the first year where event organizers will dedicate different sections of the park to honor veterans of conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Organizers will also separate flags designated to honor fallen veterans as well as veterans of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines.

The Fields of Valor will have a variety of events during the celebration such as an opening ceremony and a closing ceremony on Nov. 5, a live band, both in honor of Veterans Day and in recognition of the 247th birthday of the U.S. Marines on Nov. 11, and some special activities on Nov. 12.

The Fields of Valor, which will have a 24-hour display of up to 6,000 flags to honor veterans as the centerpiece, will be located at the corner of Date Palm and Dinah Shore.  The flags are carefully staked, one-by-one, until the Fields of Valor rise in a stunning expanse of red, white and blue.

Each flag represents a soldier killed since 2001.  Fields of Valor is a place to pay respect to those who fought for our freedoms and a place where family and friends can go to heal their hearts and their minds.

Image Sources

  • Healing Field: Cindy Uken