WE SINCERELY THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED WITH FREEDOM'S NEVER FREE 2023; FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE ESCORT TO, UNLOADING AND SETTING UP OF THE MEMORIALS, SETTING UP THE FIELD OF HEROES, TAKING DOWN THE FIELD OF HEROES AND TAKING DOWN THE MEMORIALS AND LOADING THEM AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE EVENT.  WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE ALL WHO HELPED.  THANK YOU!!!​​​

Jimmy's Jaw Breakers is joining us this year!

​​​​​​Thursday, October 31st , 9:00 a.m. Field of Heroes Setup

We need as many volunteers as we can get to help setup the Field of Heroes. Those interested, please meet us at the Ed Sands Building at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, October 31st @ 9 a.m.

All are welcome!

Thursday, October 31st, 12:00 p.m. Traveling Memorial Escort Arrives

The escort for the travelling memorials arrives at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 12 noon.

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 11:00 A.M. Kickstands up at 11:45 p.m.  We'll arrive at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster at 12:00 p.m. We welcome anyone who can come to help unload and setup the memorial.

Thursday, October 31st, 4:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony begins with the Posting of the Colors at the Field of Heroes. Those who have sponsored a Flag for their Hero(es) are invited to come post their respective flags.  Afterwards, we will make our way to the Ed Sands building at the top of the hill where the McClain Silent Drill Corp will perform a demonstration. Afterwards, we will have a Veteran’s Pinning Ceremony and invite our guest speakers to speak.

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To sponsor a Flag for your hero, click here, or pickup a Field of Heroes Flag Form from Les Reynolds at Veterans Services office at 3044 Columbus-Lancaster Rd NW, Lancaster, OH.

Friday, November 1st, 7:00 p.m. USO Dance

The USO dance will kickoff at 7:00 P.M. with the big dance band, The Nostalgics.

We will have our Patriotic Poster Contest for Middle School thru High School Students also!  Posters need to be submitted no later than Wednesday, Oct. 31st at the Ed Sands building, 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 2nd, 12:00-6:00 p.m. Main Ceremonies​

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Registration for the Patriotic Pet Parade

12:00-3:00 p.m. Those who have torn or tattered flags are encouraged to bring them to have them properly and respectfully retired at the Flag Retirement Ceremony starting at noon.

1:00-2:00 p.m. The Pet Parade will be in the Ed Sands building. To participate, pets must be dressed in a patriotic costume.  Winner will receive a $50 gift.

3:30-4:30 p.m. The official appreciation celebration will begin and the youth poster contest winners will be announced. At the celebration you will enjoy special guest speakers, the McClain Silent Drill Corp and more!

6:00-6:30 p.m. At the Closing Ceremony, two Flags will be presented; One for a military Veteran, and one for a First Responder. Participant are encouraged to nominate a Veteran or 1st Responder to receive the Flag by clicking here. 

Sunday, November 3rd, 9:00 a.m. Field of Heroes Takedown
We need volunteers to help takedown the Field of Heroes. Those interested, please meet us at the Ed Sands building at 9:00 A.M. All are welcome and greatly appreciated!​

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