The Story Behind: The Field of Heroes

THE FIELD OF HEROES

The sight of thousands of waving American flags in a single field is now a Memorial Day weekend tradition in Westerville. But how did it start?

The spark for the Westerville “Field of Heroes” ignited out of a chance meeting between Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club’s (then) Vice-President Larry Jenkins and the Colonial Flag Foundation’s founder, Paul Swenson, at the 2007 Rotary International Convention in Utah. The idea of combining the Foundation’s mission to promote patriotism, healing and remembrance and the Rotary Club’s passion for our community and service to others developed over the year following the conference. In 2009, during Jenkins’ term as Club President, the Westerville Sunrise Rotary presented the Field of Heroes to the Westerville community for the first time.

Twelve years ago, 1,500 flags waved on the grounds of the Westerville Sports Complex. The name “Field of Heroes” came from the idea that each flag could be dedicated by an individual in honor of a personal hero, and collectively the flags stood to represent the greatness and sacrifice of all America’s heroes.

In 2010, the Field expanded to 2,000 flags and included a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. The meaningful addition to the Field of Heroes began a tradition of presenting a Tribute Field each year. The Field grew annually by about 500 flags until it reached the current 3,500 flag display, featuring a different tribute each year to honor special populations, like women in the military and first responders.

“We set out to create a big community event, but the greatest impact has been the memories, healing and gratitude expressed to and by those who visit the Field,” said Jenkins. “Through all of these years, I’ve learned the Field of Heroes is never the same experience twice. It truly has reshaped the Memorial Day weekend tradition in Central Ohio, and I’m proud to be part of that.”

The Field of Heroes continues to be an attraction for tourists over the holiday weekend. The Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club, in conjunction with its many partners, welcomes thousands of visitors annually to reflect, honor and heal.

Although the Field stands for just a few days each year, its legacy is in the visitors who walk the grounds, the heroes who are honored and the stories shared and remembered forever. In 2021, the Field offers social-distanced, masked in-person visitation.

Learn more: www.fieldofheroes.org.

“The Story Behind” is a new feature in the Westerville Community Recreation Guide. Are you curious about how or why something in Westerville exists? Email us and we may choose your topic for a future feature: communityaffairs@westerville.org.