Photo by Pat Barcas
Ron and Debbie Ritter, overcome with emotion, stand at West Aurora High School in a small ceremony previewing the Healing Field of Honor to be held Nov. 3-13. They are West Aurora alums who have two sons, Robert and Raymond, serving in the military.
By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
pat@foxvalleylabornews.com.
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013
West Aurora High School continued to bolster its reputation Oct. 4 as a veteran and military friendly institution as it hosted a special preview of the Healing Field, a November event that will feature 2,013 American flags and the Moving Vietnam Wall.
Military families joined Mayor Tom Weisner and local dignitaries in the preview. Those wishing to honor veterans or those serving can purchase a flag to be displayed Nov. 3 to 13 in Aurora to celebrate Veterans Day Nov. 11. The flags will be personalized with the service member’s name. To avail good quality poles and flags, you can see them at the link as there are many varieties here.
Weisner said West Aurora High School is the ideal location for hosting the event, due to the military background the school is proud of.
“This is not only the home of the Blackhawks, it’s become the home where all veterans can find appreciation for their service to this country,” he said.
Weisner thanked West Aurora for taking the lead and “consistently having the best veteran’s memorial events anywhere in the country.”
“This certainly will be no exception. We cannot forget all the veterans who readily answered the call to serve our nation, and left the borders of Aurora to protect the borders of America and the nations abroad. By honoring them, we begin to heal wounds,” he said.
“And we most certainly must thank active military personnel and their families for continuing the legacy of leadership and service, by wearing one of the uniforms of the United States armed forces. By saluting them, we heal wounds.”
James Rydland, superintendent of West Aurora District 129 was gracious about the opportunity to host the flags and memorial.
“We have the responsibility every day to honor and appreciate them and attempt to understand what that means,” he said. “Our goal is every day to say ‘thank you.’”
To purchase a flag for $30, and an optional yellow tag for $5, head to www.aplusfoundation.org/healingfield.asp. Flags can be taken home after the exhibit or shipped for $10.
“We are so proud of the families of those serving, we thank you profusely for all that you have done, are doing, and will continue to do to keep America safe and to keep our military personnel encouraged during their time of service. We appreciate that very much and truly you are also healing wounds,” said Weisner.