Liberty ROTC cadets help display flags at annual Field of Honor

In a breathtaking display of red, white, and blue on Friday, students in Liberty University’s Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) assisted with installing 1,000 flags at Lynchburg’s Field of Honor, paying tribute to active-duty military and veterans, first responders, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and health care workers who have defended our nation across the U.S. and around the world.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Forest, the Field of Honor in Lynchburg started in 2017, when the inaugural display honored health care workers, military, veterans, and victims and first responders of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2020, the Field of Honor honored frontline health care workers who fought against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every year, 1,000 flags are installed, each carrying an identifying tag for the hero it honors. Sponsors donate to dedicate flags for their hero and keep them at the close of the event. The flags were installed at the Automated Conveyor Systems field along Graves Mill Road in Lynchburg.

“All these heroes honored the flag, and it is fitting that the display of the flags should honor them and show our appreciation,” the Rotary Club posted on their website.

This year, 14 AFROTC cadets participated in installing the flags.

“Our ROTC cadets are deeply honored to be participating in the Field of Honor event,” Cadet Martin Murillo said on behalf of the AFROTC Day Wing’s Service and Outreach team.  “This opportunity allows us to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our service members and heroes while reinforcing the values of service before self, duty, and respect which are all at the core of their training. It is an absolute privilege to be a part of something that strengthens our commitment to our future roles in the armed forces and our communities.”

The Rotary Club of Forest hosted the opening ceremony on Sunday with special guest speakers and music, followed by a ticketed Patriots BBQ, a fundraiser to support the National Center for Healthy Veterans at Valor Farm.

A 9/11 memorial ceremony will take place at the Field of Honor at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and the flags will remain posted until Sept. 21. The field is open to the public, with taps sounded daily at 7 p.m.