Seneca Street American flag display will peak on Veterans Day November 11
Nothing is more beautiful than the sight of hundreds of American Flags flying in a field of green on Veterans Day. This has become a familiar sight for Hornell residents over the last decade. It’s hard to drive down Seneca Street in early November without slowing down to admire the 320 American Flags lined in perfect rows blowing in the wind. It’s nearly impossible to walk by without stepping through the rows and reading the names of local heroes proudly displayed on each flag. Some flags honor current military personnel. Others recognize our law enforcement or first responders. And many flags fly in memory of loved ones who have died and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving this Great Nation.
“We want our students to know the meaning of Veterans Day and understand why it is important to recognize and thank our military men and women,” said Barb Berry, Principal at St. Ann’s Academy. SAA students play an important role in the Field of Honor® each year. Not only do the children help prepare the flags and set up the field, they also interview and then recognize local veterans for their service to our country at our ceremony. You’ll even find SAA’s youngest students singing patriotic songs and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. “All are invited to our Veterans Day ceremony on November 11th at 9am. The kids do an amazing job and take such pride in this event,” exclaimed Berry.
SAA board member and treasurer, Chris Brewer, is the Project Chair of this year’s Field of Honor®. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the continued support and generosity of our local businesses. They understand the importance of honoring our military on Veterans Day, and they also believe in our mission at St. Ann’s Academy. We are so fortunate to have businesses that are dedicated to this community that we all love.” A lot of work goes into planning the event each year. Brewer explained, “There are so many groups and individuals that work behind the scenes, from mapping the field, assembling the flag kits, putting up the tents and bringing chairs for the ceremony to pounding in rebar and placing the flags and tags on the field. It is truly humbling to know we have so many people willing to lend a hand.”
The Healing Field National Foundation was established in 2002 after the 9/11 Terror Attacks. Since that time, hundreds of organizations across the country host similar flag events. To purchase a flag or become a business sponsor, contact Chris Brewer at chris.brewer@saacademy.org for more information. Flag order forms can be downloaded at www.saacademy.org or from SAA’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/StAnnsAcademyHornellNY.
