Harrison Thorp 6:02 a.m.
Thursday, May 25, 2023 6:03 am
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ROCHESTER - Field of Honor volunteers will begin laying out stakes on the Rochester Common today as they look to position some 550 American flags honoring veterans.
The inspirational display will also include 200 flags adorned with a black cross memorializing those who died fighting for our country.
Field of Honor flags stations will go up on Friday beginning around 9 a.m., according to Jeanne Grover, president of Vouchers for Veterans, which organizes the event.
Grover said the Field of Honor will officially open on Saturday with volunteers on hand to help guide the public to flags in tribute to their loved ones. Volunteers will available both Sunday and Monday, when Memorial Day services will begin at 11 a.m.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Church on North Main Street, stop briefly at the bridge by the Victory Club to commemorate sailors lost at sea and then proceed to the Common where it will disband.
Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan will open the ceremony, which will include the laying of wreaths and a speech by Ret. Marine Lt. Colonel Joe Kenney. A proclamation by President Biden will also be read.
Monday's observance will also include a performance by the Spaulding High Band, which will perform the National Anthem and a medley of armed services anthems.
Bagpiper Pat Boyle will also be on hand for Monday's observance.
As part of the Fields of Honor, taps will be played Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m.
The main beneficiary of the Field of Honor display is Vouchers for Veterans, which is helping to feed veterans 28 weeks out of the year, Grover said on Wednesday.
"We're helping feed some 1,500 veterans in New Hampshire and Maine," she noted. "Last year we gave out $120,000 n vouchers, and that all goes back to local farmers, so it stays in the community."
The Woodsmen RC is also doing a ride to benefit Vouchers for Veterans.
The ride will start with kickstands up at 11 a.m. from the Rochester Big Lots. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The cost is $20 per riders and $10 a passenger.
The ride will end at ChopShop.
This year's Field of Honor display is expected to draw thousands of visitors who will come and pay their respects to the men and women who have served our country, many who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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