1. A structure, such as a building or sculpture, erected as a memorial.
2. An inscribed marker placed at a grave; a tombstone.
3. Something venerated for its enduring historic significance or association with a notable past person or thing: the architectural monuments of ancient Rome; traditions that are monuments to an earlier era.
4.a. An outstanding enduring achievement: a translation that is a monument of scholarship.
b. An exceptional example: “Thousands of them wrote texts, some of them monuments of dullness” (Robert L. Heilbroner).
5. An object, such as a post or stone, fixed in the ground so as to mark a boundary or position.

The ‘Hope Rising – To Lift A Nation’ monument fits many of these descriptions.  It is partially a memorial, a commemorative figure reminding us of those that willingly gave their lives for others on that fateful day of 9/11. It echoes the solemnity of a tomb as stands as a marker for the dead, a tribute to the fallen.  It aptly represents something of ‘enduring historic significance’ as it is a constant reminder of one of the events that shook the world forever.  As far as an ‘outstanding enduring achievement’ goes, what greater achievement is there than instilling hope in others at their darkest hour?

For me, this monument is a tangible means by which to commemorate the dead, remember the past and look forward to the future with hope.  In years to come my children will see it, and hopefully their children also, which encourages me that the lives lost and the lessons learn will not be forgotten.  Let us always remember the day we lost so many, but stood together…

This monumental display began on Wednesday September 7th with hundreds of local citizens helping post the 3000 flags. For many, the posting of the Stars and Stripes in Sandy has become a yearly tradition and reminder of the light that can rise from darkness.  Some even take their Christmas card pictures at the field as a tribute to the fallen and a symbol of their support for the emergency responders that do such important work.

Memorial ceremonies began on Saturday and finished on Sunday evening, The morning of the first day, crowds gathered early in anticipation of events and needless to say, no one was disappointed.  Over a thousand Harley Davidson bikers, led by a vintage fire engine and police motorcycle escort, paraded through the streets surrounding the Healing Field.  Parking amid a display of emergency vehicles and military equipment, they joined the assembled visitors in honoring the victims and watching the unveiling of a new monument dedicated to emergency responders.  The inspiring program was attended by three of Utah’s Congressional delegation, two general officers and even Miss Utah.  A Life Flight helicopter circled the field in a fitting salute to those lost.  The aircraft dipped in a respectful bow then disappeared out of sight.

Frank Layden, former basketball coach for the Utah Jazz, and long time resident of both Utah and the City of New York spoke to the assembled audience.  He shared stories of his time in the firehouses near Ground Zero and touched the hearts of all who listened, with tales of bravery and sacrifice.  He then introduced former Utah Jazz star Thurl Bailey, who graced the crowd with song as three thousand white balloons were released to the heavens.  One for each lost soul.

Next came the great reveal, and after some brief words from Paul Swenson—the event’s creator and organizer-  and sculptor Stan Watts, the statue was unveiled for all to see.  The sudden appearance of the magnificent “Hope Rising—To Lift A Nation “ monument caused tears to well in many an eye and provided a lasting reminder of what regular Americans can do to lift and inspire others.

On Sunday, ceremonies included the reading of victim names, not forgetting Utah’s fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan.  This ceremony attracted perhaps the largest group of Gold Star Mothers and families ever assembled in the Beehive State.  In keeping with the theme of the monument, Utah’s Fallen Frontline Responders were also included in the reading of names.

There were feelings of sadness as the field of flags was lovingly taken down on Wednesday the 14th, though some local citizens got to start there very own field by purchasing a flag and taking it home.  The grassy expanse looked bare and cold with out the familiar warmth of the Stars and Stripes to brighten it.  Every day thousands of visitors had walked through the ordered rows of flags in the Healing Field as they read the nametags of the victims honored.  Talking with Colonial Flag Foundation staff members, they all had a story to tell: where they were when they heard, who they had lost and who was saved.  Smiles, tears and hugs characterized the emotions shared.

I encourage anyone who has yet to enjoy the experience of walking through these rows of flags to get to a local field and do so.  Having a physical representation of each life that was lost will change you forever.  Bring your children and your children’s children.  If there is not a field near you then start one, the Colonial Flag Foundation can help.  We must always remember the loss that day.  Must honor them.  Must heal.  Let us never forget the day we lost so many… Yet stood together.

The “BigM Weekend” is Utah’s new Memorial Day tradition.  Kick off the summer with three days of motorcycle racing, music and military tributes at Miller Motorsports Park.  Also, there will be a powerful Military Tribute Field of Honor Flag Display sponsored by the Colonial Flag Foundation and Healing Field.

The BigM Weekend includes world class racing from the FIM Superbike World Championship USA Round and AMA Pro Road Racing and the Larry H Miller AMA SuperSport Challenge, plus concerts by country music stars Dierks Bentley & Sawyer Brown on Saturday and Creedence Clearwater Revisited & Blue Oyster Cult on Sunday.

Discounted tickets are available for partners & friends of Colonial Flag by visiting www.bigmweekend.com/promo, selecting your desired tickets & then entering the promo code: RW8024

Come join us at Miller Motorsports Park for a great, exciting & Big M Weekend, a new Memorial Day tradition!

Specifically, the Red Cross honored Kathleen as a “community hero” at their annual awards ceremony.  Although she has only lived in the area for a relatively short time, her impact is evident in many organizations throughout the community.  A member of the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport, she spearheaded the establishment of a Field of Honor flag display in Newburyport.  Additionally, she has served as the Chairwoman of the 2009 Yankee Homecoming celebration; she led efforts to donate gift boxes for youth and senior groups; and she ran as a successful city Charter Commission candidate.

Typically modest, she observed “I just do what I do, and I enjoy doing it.”  Still, it is the words she has described as her motto that best explain Kathleen, “Don’t just sit there, do something.”  Yes, that about sums it up for Kathleen Bailey.  We are pleased that she has received this well deserved recognition.

Kathleen, we salute you!

On the eleventh day of September in 2001, we watched television screens in disbelief as two planes crashed into New York’s World Trade Center.  We stared in horror at images of the towers collapsing and killing thousands.  Trying to make sense of the senseless, we watched while three New York City fire fighters raised the Stars and Stripes over the ruble.  That simple act comforted.  The flag reminded us that those killed in the attacks had each became a part of America’s history of sacrifice.  It reminded us that we all are part of something greater than self.  We reached out to one another and found unity in our resolve.

In the days and weeks following the attacks, we found unity and a nation.  We remembered the values that unite us as a people.

On the first anniversary of the attacks, the United States flag served again as a focal point to comfort us and remind us.  Sandy, Utah became the setting for a new memorial.  Paul Swenson envisioned a brilliant display of the Star and Stripes.  Not one flag raised over rubble, but a mass of flags flying over a green field, a Healing Field.  Over three thousand flags, one flag for each casualty of the terrorist attacks.

Healing Field in Sandy, Utah.

Just as the enormity of the attacks overwhelmed us emotionally, the display of three by five foot U. S. flags mounted on eight foot poles impacts the viewer emotionally.

Over the years, the concept of the Healing Field has spread across the Nation to each state and the District of Columbia.

Each year, a Healing Field in Sandy has honored the sacrifices of the September eleventh attack.  This year, the ninth visible expression of the Healing Field will rise in front of Sandy’s City Hall.  Volunteers will set up the ordered lines of flags in the early evening of Thursday, September 9th and the flags will fly until Monday, September 13th.  A Dedication Ceremony will take place on the anniversary of the attack, September Eleventh at Twelve Noon.

Join us at the 2010 Sandy Healing Field.  Share with us this moving experience to bring us together as a Nation and as a people.

Scene from SBK USA in the past - http://www.sbkusa.com.

The final race has typically been held on a Sunday and has taken on a European look even when it travels to the US.  This year it will have a distinct American look as the race becomes what is expected to become the singular most patriotic and family oriented event in the state of Utah on Memorial Day.  The organizers have collaborated with community leaders to craft a three pronged appeal.

First, it will be a party and state gathering place Friday the 28th.  A procession will take place from the Utah State Capitol Building to the Gateway area of Salt Lake City.  The streets will be blocked off to anything but motorcycle traffic a la Sturgis Bike Rally.  Saturday the party will move to the track in Tooele for a concert on Saturday night (Styx, Kansas, Journey).

Second, on Sunday and Monday it will shift to the race as the major focus.  The preliminary races on Sunday and finals on Monday.

Third, there will be exhibits put on by Hill Air Force Base and the National Guard, Marines, Navy and Army Reserve to honor Memorial Day.  The focal point of the Memorial Day displays will be the Healing Field Tribute Flag Display (2010 US Flags on 8 foot poles scattered strategically throughout the park).

Healing Field Display will count 2010 U.S. Flags. Photo by Perry Van Schelt.

In an effort to make this a statewide event, the Healing Field foundation and Miller Motorsports Park presented displays and answered questions at the Utah League of Cities and Towns midyear convention in St George, Utah.  Over 500 mayors and city council members form every city in Utah were able to learn of the event and were invited to join the procession and rally so that it truly becomes a “Utah “ tradition.

David Lewis, a super bike rider in the Miller Challenge portion of the race is a Utah native and joined the convention with two of his super bikes.   Mayors were able to sit on a super bike and get their photos taken against a back drop of Healing Field flags similar to what they would experience on race day.

David Lewis on his Superbike in St. George, Utah.

While this is being held in Utah, it is the main international super bike event each year in the United States.  It is expected that 45,000 will attend the actual race, with 10 million domestic viewers and 120 million international viewers tuned in.

Check out the details at SBKUsa.com and ColonalFlag.com.

The “Healing Field program” started out as a way to commemorate the lives of those lost to us on September 11, 2001.

Since the first Healing Field display back in 2002, hundreds of communities across America have hosted a “Healing Field” or “Fields of Honor” to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes.

So far (this year), Healing Field Foundation has received registration for the following fields that will go up across our nation in 2010:

Auburn, NY
Carpentersville, IL
Cohasset, MA
Eagle, ID
Las Vegas, NV
Lima, OH
Minerva, OH
Murfreesboro, TN
Newport Beach, CA
North Kingsville, OH
Questa, NM
Springfield, OH
St. Paul, MN
Tempe, AZ
West Jordan, UT
Westerville, OH.

Learn more about Healing Field Foundation here.

As many of you know, Healing Field started out as as a way to commemorate the lives of those lost to us on September 11, 2001.  Since the very first Healing Field display in 2002, hundreds of communities across America have hosted a Healing Field or Fields of Honor to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes.

Healing Field, Pentagon Memorial, 9/11/2008. Photo by "The U.S. Army."

These special displays of fields of American flags have helped to honor the sacrifice of our service men and women, raise awareness for the tragedy of child abuse or domestic violence, honor veterans past and present, raise awareness for heart disease and cancer and more.

Last year the Healing Field team and I were working hard to put together numerous Healing Fields across our nation.  One special Healing Field idea that I wanted to execute was a field that would benefit the poor and the hungry in Salt Lake County.  To accomplish this event we started working with Utah Road Home, another non-profit organization that assists our homeless neighbors in Salt Lake County, Utah.

This particular Healing Field idea includes a “one-stop donation hub.”  A location, somewhere in downtown Salt Lake City, where fellow citizens would be able to drop off their donations such as: clothing, food, hygiene products and toys.  Also, the idea included the availability of numerous United States flags for the purpose of sponsorship.  The proceeds and donations, as a result of this event, would have gone to the Road Home as well as the Utah Food Bank, another non-profit organization that is dedicated to addressing to unmet needs of our low-income neighbors in Utah.

Also, I imagined the location being a great “visual landmark” in the downtown area of Salt Lake City, distracting and attracting the crowds of people shopping around for Christmas gifts for their friends and families.

The idea of seeing Salt Lake City and other cities and states across our nation taking on an event like the one described above is another vision that is “breath taking” to me.  Fortunately, in this “season of giving,” the generosity of many people is not just experienced in the “retail world,” it is also a very much experienced in the “charitable world.”

Despite my disappointment that this particular field fell through for this year, I’m committed to move forward in putting up a Healing Field, specifically benefiting our poor and hungry neighbors, next year or in those years following 2010.

I find determination in the words, pronounced by one of our Presidents, many years ago: “Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.“  Inspirational, to say the very least.

Since the first Healing Field display in 2002, hundreds of communities across our nation have hosted a Healing Field or Fields of Honor to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes.

These special displays of fields of American flags have helped to honor the sacrifice of our service men and women, raise awareness for the tragedy of child abuse or domestic violence, honor veterans past and present, raise awareness for heart disease and cancer and more.

Click on the image below to experience a “spherical” 720° panorama of that Healing Field on Friday, September 11, in Sandy, Utah.