The West Aurora High School marching band was playing at full tilt, the sun was out, the field was dry, and the 2,013 American flags looked majestic, casting long shadows in the turf in a maze of patriotism. It was a great day in Aurora to honor veterans.

Nov. 3 served as the unveiling of the Healing Field of Honor, a stunning display of flags that invites people to reflect upon the sacrifices given by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Several hundred attended the opening ceremonies at West Aurora High School.

“Healing Field began as a simple way for one person to visualize and comprehend the sheer enormity of human loss that occurred in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But as hundreds of volunteers gathered to help, it soon became evident that something much more was emerging,” said Dr. Rudy Keller, chairman, Healing Field at West Aurora High School.

“It became a personal gesture of support, a tangible expression of mourning, honor and a very real feeling of the healing experience.”

More than 200 volunteers helped set up the display, spearheaded by Larry “The Flagman” Eckhardt, who owns more than 2,000 American flags and sets them up throughout the country. He personally brought 1,000 additional flags to set up around the high school.

“What a beautiful, sunny, crisp American fall day and what a beautiful site we have to the immediate south here, it’s absolutely gorgeous,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, who invited state Representatives Linda Chapa LaVia and Stephanie Kifowit to share in the reading of a resolution proclaiming “Healing Field Days” in the city of Aurora through Nov. 13.

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville) said the Healing Field made him think of his great-grandfather, who served in the Civil War. He said war is sometimes unavoidable.

“Our country should never go to war lightly. We should never go to war out of pride, out of arrogance, out of economic self-interest or bigotry or ignorance or any of the bad reasons nations go to war. When our nation senses an affront, we should turn our cheek again and again,” said Foster.

“But in the end, there will be wars that we cannot turn away from. And when that happens, there is a debt that can never be repaid to those who risk everything to keep our country free. All of us are deeply appreciative to these brave men and women.”

“Today will be a very memorable day, a day of celebration and solemn remembrance of all the heroes who have come before us,” said Don Pilmer, executive vice president, Old Second National Bank.

“It is an absolute honor to stand before all the people here who represent the absolute best that America stands for. What an outstanding display of patriotism.”

Old Second National Bank, along with A+ Foundation of West Aurora schools, are the primary sponsors of the Healing Field.