Carpentersville's Healing Field Opens Today

What stirred us patriotically and emotionally last year returns bigger, better and bolder as we honor the Americans killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. This year’s field will have 2,976 flags flying in Carpenter Park, 122 Carpenter Blvd.

Healing Field 2011-Carpentersville was organized by the Patriot Committee, a group of local volunteers whose mission is to provide resources and promote the vision that we must never forget those who perished that terrible day 10 years ago, and to honor those who continue to serve and protect our safety and freedoms we take for granted.

Proceeds from Carpentersville's Healing Field will benefit the local charities including the Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township and the VFW.

Ways you can be involved …

Your flag is waiting for you. It's not too late to fly a flag in honor of those who protect our freedoms — our veterans, military members, police, firefighters and others you may wish to recognize. Order your American flag today. It will fly the whole week with a yellow ribbon attached, naming your honoree. Afterward, you can pick up your flag, its pole and re-bar to fly it with honor at your home. Your participation can be personal, corporate or group.

Operation Thank You — Purchase an extra flag and we will send it to a service man or women who is serving in harm’s way or recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital or Walter Reed. The cost of the flag sponsorship remains the same — $40. Order on our web page.

Businesses can support the project —  Businesses are patriotic, too, and can express that through corporate sponsorships of the Healing Field. A variety of opportunities are available, and we can customize a package as well. To join our local sponsors contact Dan Helsdon dan@healingfield2011.com or call 1-847-542-4689.

Schedule of Events  

Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8-9
7 a.m. to dusk, Healing Field open

Saturday, Sept. 10
7 p.m. Candlelight service

Sunday, Sept. 11
10 a.m. Permanent Firefighter Memorial dedication
Fire Station No. 1, Carpentersville

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life Source blood drive
Healing Field Carpenter Park, Carpentersville

10:30 a.m. Nondenominational worship service
Healing Field Carpenter Park, Carpentersville

Noon 9/11 memorial parade

1:30 p.m. Patriot Day program
Healing Field Carpenter Park, Carpentersville

3 p.m. U.S. Air Force flyover

3:30 p.m. Closing ceremony and flag pickup begins
Carpenter Park, Carpentersville

For more information or to volunteer please call Jerry Christopherson at 1-630-730-0558 or Dan Helsdon at 1-847-542-4689.