Last May I had the distinguished opportunity to participate in Fayetteville’s “Field of Honor” to honor my solider, who had just returned home from deployment 14 days earlier. It was a great ceremony. I was sitting on the front row with CSM Capel’s wife (the former 82nd Airborne Division commander) to my left and a representative from Fayetteville’s sister city in France on my right. Two seats down from me was also USASOC commander Gen. Mulholland.
The day of this event was a HOT one, l know at least 80 degrees already by morning. It was so hot in fact that there were people passing out from the heat. Miss North Carolina sang the national anthem, and we had the 18th AB Corp Color Guard from Fort Bragg posted the colors. I was so honored to be asked to participate in this event.
When they called my name a solider walked over to me, held my arm, and escorted me down the field while holding a flag in his other hand. His movements were so sharp and he looked so squared away in his uniform, but I know he must have been going crazy from the heat. When we got to my spot, I put the flag in the ground and it was so moving for me. Just as I put my flag in, the wind started blowing and really just made the moment perfect. After each participant had done the same thing, it was so amazing to see all those flags waving in the wind.
Visit the Glory Days Field of Honor (http://www.glorydaysnc.com/) next time you’re in Fayetteville, where you will behold a beautiful display of thousands of American flags, each honoring a brave member of our Armed Forces. This living display of heroism serves as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans. It honors all who are currently serving, those who have served, and the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom.
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