Fields of Honor returns to honor veterans on Memorial Day Weekend

ROCHESTER - Vouchers for Veterans, in collaboration with the City of Rochester, recently announce they will return with the Field of Honor, a moving tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of servicemen and women. The event starts on May 25 and features 550 full-lengths arrayed at the Rochester Common.

Open to the public and free of charge, the Field of Honor stands as a tribute from the morning of May 25 until May 28.

As part of the tribute, each evening from May 25-28 a bugler will play "Taps" at the Common at 7 p.m., honoring the memory of all branches of the armed forces. Following "Taps" a bagpiper will play "Amazing Grace.:

Continuing the tradition from previous years, the flags will be dedicated to fallen heroes from New Hampshire and Maine who served their country. The multi-day event draws thousands of visitors to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Individuals interested in dedicating a flag can visit vouchersforveterans.org/events. Each 3×5″ U.S-made flag, is available for dedication at $40. Contributions can be securely made online or through a printed form along with a check. Participants have the option to honor a specific Veteran, living or deceased, or allow Vouchers for Veterans to select a Veteran who died in action.

For those purchasing multiple flags, they will be grouped within the display. Volunteers will be available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to assist in locating specific flags. Each flag will bear a laminated card featuring the name, rank, and branch of the Veteran. Those who died in action will be indicated by a black cross, with each card affixed to the pole with a yellow silk ribbon.

Following the weekend, participants have the option to keep their flag or donate it for future events. Flags can be mailed for a flat fee of $12 or collected in person on June 1 at the American Legion, 94 Eastern Ave., Rochester, NH 03867, from 2-4 p.m. Sales will conclude on May 15 or when they run out.

On May 27 the Rochester Memorial Day parade will culminate at the Field of Honor at around 11:15 a.m., followed by a ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 7. The ceremony will feature the presentation of colors and the laying of wreaths for each branch of the military, followed by a guest speaker.

Jeanne Grover, founder of Vouchers for Veterans, expresses pride in bringing back this event for the fourth consecutive year.

"This deeply moving display is an enduring tribute that resonates in the hearts of all who witness it. It's a collaborative effort, requiring the dedication of 75-100 volunteers to bring to fruition," she said.

Board member Don Dupuis, a retired colonel, initiated the idea in 2020, along with his wife Patricia Turner-Dupuis, also a retired colonel, after receiving a flag in honor of their son Donald Turner, a dedicated Naval Aviator who died while in service. "Donnie," as remembered by his parents, pursued his dream of becoming a pilot, epitomizing valor through three operational combat tours.

Vouchers for Veterans, a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer-driven non-profit, provides $20 vouchers at participating farmers' markets up to 26 times a year, enabling veterans to access fresh, locally sourced food and fostering camaraderie. This initiative not only supports veterans but also benefits vendors and the community by reinvesting funds.

"Our mission revolves around reintegrating combat veterans into the community. We take immense pride in welcoming them back home, creating a space where they feel secure among peers and engage in cathartic conversations," Grover said.

Bill Gaudreau, Director of Military Affairs and Veterans Services, offers monthly assistance to Veterans in uncovering available benefits, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

The Field of Honor's net proceeds directly contribute to expanding outreach, enabling Vouchers for Veterans to serve more veterans and establish additional locations. The organization operates without federal or state funding, relying entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, community grants, and specially hosted events like the Field of Honor.

For more information about Vouchers for Veterans and the Field of Honor event, visit vouchersforveterans.org.