A field of memories created for Memorial Day

The Arlington Memorial Gardens, a 165-acre campus in Springfield Township, will create its “Field of Memories” for Memorial Day weekend as a tribute to the men and women who served in the armed forces.

The field — which is on land originally deeded by General George Washington to the Johnson family for services rendered during the American War of Independence — will be installed over 10 acres beginning Thursday, May 23, and will be built with flags that are 3 feet by five feet, purchased by individuals and corporations wishing to honor loved ones.

Arlington’s open acreage is visible from Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway, a major crosstown artery.

“We’re told over and again that the site of the vast field of flags provokes spontaneous, spine-tingling reactions that remind visitors why Memorial Day is so meaningful,” says Arlington’s president, Dan Applegate.

The flags are raised and lighted atop 7-foot poles and on display for the public beginning Thursday, May 23, continuing through Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.

The tribute is also open to non-veterans and flags can be dedicated to any individual, living or deceased, who has played an important part in someone’s life. The net proceeds from the flags will be donated to “Operation: Ramp It Up For Veterans,” which builds and installs mobility ramps for those who have served. The organization is funded by donations.

UPS employee volunteers, members of Team Fastrax, a professional skydiving team, as well as other corporate groups and individual volunteers will donate their time to help install the flags, a project that takes about four hours.

The price for flag dedications is $35 for each 3 x 5 flag. Corporate packages with multiple flags are also available. The flags will be adorned with ribbons signifying whether the honoree is buried at Arlington, a veteran, serving on active duty, or is a first responder or public servant, as well as those killed in action or killed in the line of duty.