2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023

​​Wednesday, November 1st - Field of Heroes Setup - 9 a.m.

We need volunteers to help setup for the Field of Heroes.  Those interested, please meet us at the Ed Sands Bldg at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1st.

Thursday, November 2nd - Escort - 12 noon

Escort of traveling memorial arrives at the Fairfield Co Fairgrounds.  

Those participating in the escort need to meet at the staging area, the north bound rest area between Rockbridge and Logan, Ohio, no later than 11 a.m., with kickstands up at 11:45 p.m.  We'll arrive at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster at 12 noon.

Anyone who can come to help unload and setup the memorial, we'd greatly appreciate your help.

Thursday, November 2nd - Opening Ceremony - 4 p.m.

Opening Ceremony will start with the Field of Heroes Posting of the Colors, in the field along Columbus Street.  Those who've sponsored a Flag for their Hero(es) are invited to come post their Hero's Flag. 

Afterwards, we'll make our way to the Ed Sands Bldg at the top of the hill where McClain Silent Drill Corp will perform, guest speakers and we'll have a Veteran’s Pinning Ceremony. 

To sponsor a Flag for your hero, click on the Field of Heroes tab above.  You can also pickup a Field of Heroes Flag Form from Les Reynolds at Veterans Services office located at 3044 Columbus-Lancaster Rd NW, Lancaster, OH.

Friday, November 3rd - 7 pm.

USO dance with the big dance band, The Nostalgics.  

We'll have a Poster Contest for  Middle School thru High School Students also.  Posters need to be submitted no later than Wednesday, Nov. 1st at the Ed Sands Bldg, Fairfield County Fairgrounds, to Jeannie Ignash.  We will have 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners who will receive a monetary prize.  Winners will be announced Saturday at the Appreciation Celebration.

Saturday, November 4th - 12 noon thru 6 p.m.

12-3 p.m. - Flag Retirement Ceremony.  Anyone who has a torn or tattered Flag can bring it to have it retired properly and respectfully.

1-2 p.m. - Pet Parade in the Ed Sands Bldg at the Fairgrounds.  Pets need to be costumed in a patriotic theme. 

3:30 p.m. - Appreciation Celebration begins & Poster Contest Winners will be announced.  You'll enjoy special guest speakers, McClain Silent Drill Corp and more.

6 p.m. - Closing Ceremony.  2 Flags will be presented.  One for a military Veteran and one for a 1st Responder.  You can nominate a Veteran or 1st Responder to receive the Flag by clicking the Honor Flag Nomination tab above. 

Sunday, November 5th - Field of Heroes Takedown - 9 a.m.
We need volunteers to help takedown the Field of Heroes.  Those interested, please meet us at the Ed Sands Bldg at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 5th.

Please note:  Food trucks will be available to purchase food each day of the event.

If you would like to help with this event or join Freedom’s Never Free volunteers, please plan to join us for our Monthly Planning Meetings @ the VFW, 116 Perry St., Lancaster, Ohio, the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.​​

Thank you!

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