News Release: Noon Exchange Club to host Memorial Day ‘Healing Field’

Noon Exchange Club to host Memorial Day ‘Healing Field’

Continuing a 16-year tradition among chapters of the National Exchange Club, McMinnville’s Noon Exchange Club will partner with Botanico Inc. to present a patriotic field of flags during Memorial Day weekend.

Warren County’s first “Healing Field” display will feature 132 American flags displayed on the lawn directly adjacent to Caney Fork Electric Cooperative at 920 Smithville Highway. Each flag will represent a military life that was lost during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror.

An opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 9 a.m. with veteran businessman Jon Flanders serving as keynote speaker. The Healing Field will remain on display through Memorial Day and will be officially be open each day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all to visit free of charge. The field will be set up in grids so visitors can quickly locate the flag containing a particular veteran’s or sponsor’s name.

“There will be one flag for each of the brave Warren Countians who died in defense of our country,” said Program Chair Duane Sherrill. “Our event historian, Cynthia Basham, has spent the last couple of months researching the names and dates associated with these brave individuals. We look forward to honoring them all with this project and we hope to make this an annual event.”

Noon Exchange Club is seeking sponsors to support the Healing Field. For a donation of $50 an individual, business, or civic organization can sponsor a flag with a fallen veteran’s name affixed. Those making their donation will have their name – or the name of a person they would like to honor - placed on the accompanying label. There are also several other sponsorship opportunities available.

“Sponsor a flag for all who serve and sacrifice or for a personal hero in your life,” Publicity Chair Ashley Wright encouraged. “At the end of the event you will have the option of taking the flag home, to your business or to present to your hero.”

Those wishing to sponsor a flag or flags, to volunteer during the event or wanting more information may contact Duane Sherrill at 607-4317 or by emailing rduanesherrill@gmail.com.

Noon Exchange Club of McMinnville typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. More information about the club, events and meeting details can be found on the club’s Facebook page or by calling 931-607-6599. More Info: Ashley Wright, Noon Exchange Club of McMinnville – 931-607-6599 - ashleyg.wright@yahoo.com