'Field of Honor' to return to DI this June

Plans are beginning to unfurl for the Second Annual Field of Honor on Daniel Island. The star spangled spectacle, a moving patriotic display of hundreds of American flags, is set to take place June 25 – July 8, 2017, on River Landing Drive between Daniel Island Drive and the Wando River waterfront.

Hosted by the Daniel Island Exchange Club in conjunction with the Daniel Island Property Owners Association, the program was launched last year as a way to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. Those interested in supporting the project can purchase a flag in recognition of a military member (active or veteran), the fallen, first responders, teachers, caregivers, cancer survivors and health care providers. Hundreds of American flags are “planted” in a grassy median as a visible reminder of their contributions. Some 250 flags were part of the 2016 Field of Honor.

“Last year, the ‘Field of Honor’ was an overwhelming success,” said Daniel Island Exchange Club Member William McArdle, who is coordinating the program. “The community loved the Field of Honor! Regardless of the time of day, people took the time to walk through the field and read the citations on the flags. People posted pictures on social media and the DI Exchange Club received a tremendous amount of positive feedback.”

The Field of Honor also raises money for area charities, added McArdle. Last year, the club chose to support One80 Place, a local shelter and re-housing assistance program for the homeless. Forty of the beds at the shelter are reserved for veterans.

“Homelessness is a very real issue in the Lowcountry and one that the Exchange Club is working to help end,” continued McArdle. “The monies donated to One80 Place had an immediate impact on their day-to-day operation.”

The 2017 Field of Honor will again benefit One80 Place, as well as the Lowcountry Food Bank and a possible third charity yet to be announced. The Daniel Island Exchange Club is hoping to sell 500 flags this year.

“Our main goal is to generate awareness and raise funds through the sale of the flags to support local charities,” said McArdle. “...The DI Exchange Club encourages community support of this event through donations so that in-turn we can support those in need. We also hope that those viewing the Field of Honor will feel a renewed sense of patriotism and a feeling of thankfulness towards all those who place service before self.”

As last year’s Field of Honor flags were so gallantly streaming, McArdle took a moment to reflect on the message behind each and every one.

“When I rounded the corner on River Landing Drive and first saw the Field of Honor it made me feel especially proud,” said McArdle, a retired Colonel for the U.S. Air Force. “It reminded me that each day young men and women join our military. They stand in front of the American flag, raise their right hands and swear to support and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. These brave warriors serve our nation to defend our freedom. Seeing the Field of Honor reinforced my belief that we live in the greatest country in the world thanks in large part to the men and women serving in our military.”

The Daniel Island Exchange Club is looking for sponsors for the 2017 event. Refuel of Daniel Island has signed on as a $5000 sponsor, but sponsors at the $500 and $2500 levels are also needed. Flags can be purchased for $25 each. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, purchasing a flag, or volunteering to help prepare the field, send an email to info@DIExchangeclub.org or visit the Daniel Island Exchange Club Facebook page.