WE SINCERELY THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED WITH FREEDOM'S NEVER FREE 2024; 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 and hope you will help again this year.  THANK YOU!!!​​​

​​​​​​Thursday, November 6th, 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. 

All are welcome!

Thursday, November 6th, 12:00 p.m. Memorial Escort

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

This year we have a challenge:  Motorcycles verses Jeeps.  Who will have the most vehicles?  A trophy will be awarded the winners which will be passed to the winners each year.

Those participating in the escort need to meet at the staging area, Mott's Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio, by 10:00 a.m. Kickstands up at 11:15 a.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.  Anyone who would like to tour the museum, plealse arrive no later than 9 a.m.

Thursday, November 6th, 4:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony begins with the "Posting of the Colors" for 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.  Afterwards, we'll have a Veteran’s Pinning Ceremony, guest speakers and more.

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To sponsor a Flag for yourhero, 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 7th, 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 also have our Patriotic Poster Contest for Middle School students!  Posters need to be submitted no later than Wednesday, Oct. 31st at the Ed Sands building, Fairfield County Fairgrounds, to Jeannie Ignash between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. or can be dropped off to Les Reynolds at Veterans Services office, 3044 Columbus-Lancaster Rd. NW, Lancaster, OH.  We'll have 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners who will receive a monetary prize.  Winners will be announced Saturday at the Appreciation Celebration and they must be in attendance to win.

Saturday, November 8th, 12:00-6:00 p.m. Main Ceremonies​

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Registration for the Patriotic Pet Parade and Corn Hold Tournament in the Ed Sands Bldg.

12:00  p.m. - For the Pet Parade, pets must be dressed in a patriotic costumes. Winner will receive a $50 gift.

                    - Corn Hole Tournament, blind draw, $15 per person.

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.​

3:30-6 p.m. - The official Appreciation Celebration will begin and the Patriotic Poster Contest winners will be announced at the beginning of the Appreciation Celebration.  You'll enjoy special guest speakers, entertainment, 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.  If you'd like to nominate a Veteran or 1st Responder to receive the Flag, you can pick up a nomination form from Les Reynolds, Veteran Services, 3044 Columbus-Lancaster Rd, NW, Lancaster, OH.

Sunday, November 9th, 9:00 a.m. Takedown
We need volunteers to help takedown the Field of Heroes and memorials. Those interested, please meet us at the Ed Sands building at 9:00 a.m.   We'd appreciate all the help we can get!​

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