The 2024 Field of Honor®will return to San Gabriel Park this year!

Mark your calendars for November 9 through 17

NEW DISPLAY FOR 2024!

THE ROTARY CLUB OF GEORGETOWN HAS PROUDLY PRESENTED SPECIAL DISPLAYS, SUCH AS THE
TRAVELING VIETNAM WALL AND THE TUNNEL TO TOWERS MOBILE EXHIBIT. THIS YEAR WILL BE NO LESS MOVING!

VISIT THE FIELD 24/7 TO SEE THE PATRIOTIC PRODUCTIONS’ “REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN” EXHIBIT OF 34 TEN FOOT TOWERS WITH THREE PANELS EACH THAT DISPLAY PHOTOS OF  THE HEROES WE HAVE LOST IN THE WAR ON TERROR IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. SOME FAMILIES HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO THE REQUEST FOR PHOTOS, SO SOME HEROES MAY NOT BE FOUND ON THIS DISPLAY. THERE WILL BE ASSISTANCE AT THE FIELD TO LOCATE THE PHOTOS OF THE HEROES THAT ARE DISPLAYED. THIS MEANINGFUL TRIBUTE WILL  HONOR THE MEMORY OF THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN THAT PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR OUR FREEDOMS.

ALSO: PLAN TO TAKE A NEW UNWRAPPED TOY OR GIFT CARD TO PUT IN SANTA’S SLEIGH
TO BENEFIT BLUE SANTA THROUGHOUT THE WEEK OF THE FIELD OF HONOR®! 

FLAG AND SWAG SALES SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY, NOVMBER 9 THROUGH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 – 15: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17: 9:00 a.m. to noon

* Purchase and dedicate flags for your heroes and repost flags from prior years that are in perfect condition.
Repost flags must be inspected and approved at the field prior to posting. Reposts are $25.

* Purchase your 2024 (and prior year as available) Challenge Coins and Pins, and Field of Honor® Caps and Visors while supplies last!

* Purchase your seats for the Patriots Celebration BBQ held on Saturday evening, November 16!

BELOW IS THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK OF THE FIELD OF HONOR®. CHECK BACK OFTEN TO SEE ANY UPDATES! 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

FIRST DAY OPEN FOR FLAG AND SWAG SALES AND REPOSTS IN THE FLAG SALES TENT

NEW! A WALK FOR PEACE! 8:30 a.m. (0830) 

On Saturday, November 9, the opening morning of the Rotary Club of Georgetown, Texas, Field of Honor, the Club’s Racial Unity and Peacebuilding Committee is hosting “A Walk for Peace.” Participants will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the Field of Honor Peace Garden, designed by Wolf Ranch Elementary and temporarily installed for this weeklong event. The Walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. “A Walk for Peace” is designed for people of all ages. The distance of the circumference of the Field of Honor is .67 miles. Walkers can complete one loop or multiple loops. At 9:30 a.m., participants will reconvene at the Peace Garden for a brief recognition ceremony. This event does not require registration. Participants are invited to carry signs that feature words of peace. Parking is available in the lot across from the field on the right side of Morrow St.

The Rotary Club of Georgetown is recognized as an official Peacebuilder Club. Club members champion Rotary International’s peacebuilding mission: “As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.” Join us in our efforts to “create environments where peace can happen.”

NEW! VETFEST VII  11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (1100 – 1600)

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE BIRTHDAY CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (1130 – 1230)

The Marine Corps League will present their inspiring Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony! All who attend can enjoy a piece of cake while supplies last. Be among those who eat cake in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 249th birthday!

QUILT OF VALOR CEREMONIES will be held in the Event Tent from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (1500 – 1800)

See information in the Exhibits and Activities section to nominate a veteran for a Quilt of Valor.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

OPENING CEREMONY, 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. (1330 – 1445)

Don’t miss the majestic Opening Ceremony, with Keynote Speaker: Command Sergeant Major Brian Hester, Army Futures Command, an invocation hymn by the noted a cappella singers, Tonal Harmony, the amazing 36th Infantry Division Band of the TX National Guard, great Static Displays, fabulous Flyovers by the Devil Dog and the Falcon Flight Formation Team, the inspiring Parade of Colors, a Rifle Volley, the exciting Williamson County Sheriff’s K9 Demos, and MORE! ASL for the hearing impaired will be provided during this ceremony.

Patriotic Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be at the Opening Ceremony! They will receive your donations of new unwrapped toys or gift cards and will be available for pictures in Santa’s Historic vintage suit as seen in Harper’s Weekly January 3, 1863! Click HERE to see the Harpers Weekly Santa patriotic suit.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s K9 Unit will present three demos throughout the day at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Don’t miss seeing these wonderful K9s and their handlers and watching how they work to protect and serve our community!

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (1000 – 1400)

Enjoy a variety of impressive military and first responder static displays! 

CENTRAL TEXAS PHILHARMONIC PATRIOTIC POPS CONCERT at the Klett Center for the Performing Arts, 4:00 p.m. (1600)

The patriotism and sacrifice of our armed forces and veterans are celebrated in collaboration with Georgetown Rotary’s Field of Honor®. In a musical experience of patriotic favorites, we share our heritage, values, unity, and national pride. Paper bags will be provided!

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11

VILLAGE ELEMENTARY CHILDREN’S CHOIR, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 p.m. (1000 – 1045)

Enjoy an inspiring musical patriotic concert provided by the wonderful Village Elementary Children’s Choir! It will set the stage for the magnificent Veterans Day Ceremony immediately following the choir’s performance.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY, 11:00 a.m. to noon (1100 to 1200)

Join us for a dynamic Veterans Day Ceremony! Keynote speaker, Sichan Siv, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, and best selling author will share his story of being a Cambodian refugee that escaped and came to the US where he was resettled in Connecticut. A must hear story!  A flyover by the amazing Falcon Flight Formation Team will delight all in attendance! Enjoy the music of the Community Band of Central Texas, a moving invocation hymn by the notable A-capella Tonal Harmony singers, a dazzling patriotic performance by the Sun City Sassy Ladies, and the splendid background of the field of waving flags during this meaningful ceremony. The bells will toll at 11:11 a.m. (1111) in honor of Armistice Day. ASL for the hearing impaired will be provided by Miss Zoey Fisher.

QUILT OF VALOR CEREMONIES will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (1500 to 1800)

See information in the Exhibits and Activities section below to nominate a veteran for a Quilt of Valor!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON (BNL)  11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (1130 – 1330) (Ticketed event – Chamber members only.) For further information visit the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce website.

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS – November 12 – 15

Coordinated with the Georgetown Independent School District, School Field Trips are scheduled throughout the day for students to visit three stations at the Field of Honor®: The Historical flags of the US and Texas and the Military and First Responder flags, a presentation on the Revolution and the Civil War presented by volunteers from Field of Honor® partners, the Williamson Museum, and a dynamic, interactive panel of veterans and first responders. Upon returning to their classrooms, students will receive their own copy of a pocket Constitution and a Field of Honor® Keepsake Program, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Georgetown, TX.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

The Rotary Club of Georgetown will hold a special Club meeting at noon to honor invited veterans and first responders. Rotarians and their invited guests will enjoy the spirit of Rotary at this meeting during their signature event, the Field of Honor®. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

PATRIOTS CELEBRATION BBQ, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy a fun evening to celebrate our heroes, kick up our heels to the music of the RENEGADES band, and enjoy some good BBQ against the backdrop of the majestic 2,000 lighted flags. The evening will include the presentation of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Patriot of the Year award! CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets, or they can also be purchased in the Sales Tent during the week of the Field of Honor® until it is sold out. 

FLAG PICK-UP is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

FINAL FLAG PICK-UP is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 FLAG SALES INFORMATION

New flags are $45 and reposts are $25 as a donation to the Rotary Club of Georgetown Foundation. The net proceeds from flag sales will be awarded to selected nonprofit organizations that serve veteran and first responders and their families. 

Want a perfect gift for your patriotically minded family and friends for the holidays (or any time)? We will have brand new, properly folded flags at the Field of Honor® to just take home with you for a donation of $25! Supplies are limited. Get yours early!

Remember that repost flag(s) must be in PERFECT condition and must be inspected and approved to be reposted. A flag with any frayed edges, fading, or any signs of stain or wear cannot be flown on the field. If your flag does not pass inspection, a new flag will need to be purchased to fly on the field. Flags that can be reposted will have a new dedication tag made and will be attached to the flagpole at the designated location on the field. Worn or tattered flags can be added to those that will be respectfully retired during the Flag Retirement Ceremonies held many of the evenings during the week of the Field of Honor®. The American Heritage Girls and Boy Scouts provide these respectful ceremonies.

Bring a laminated 5″ x 7″ photo of your hero(es) for whom you dedicate a flag and our docents will attach it to the flag for you at no charge. You may also want to add a short story on the back of the laminated photo about your hero! Be sure to pick up your flag, dedication tag, and photo during the times shown above. 

Pick up your flags on Saturday, November 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or on Sunday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Docents will be available to help you find your flags(s).

Flags not picked up by 3:00 p.m. on 11/17 become the property of the Rotary Club of Georgetown. If you cannot pick up your flags that weekend, plan to pay for shipping at the time of purchase.

 

EXHIBITS AND ACTIVITIES

VISIT THE ROTARY CLUB OF GEORGETOWN’S INFORMATION STATION to learn about the many humanitarian and charitable initiatives and service projects this Club provides. Rotary’s motto of SERVICE ABOVE SELF is demonstrated both locally and internationally. YOU TOO CAN BE A ROTARIAN! Get information on how to become a part of this dynamic 130+ member club. By the way, it is not your grandfather’s Rotary Club anymore! We are a diverse group of dedicated people that want to make a difference by serving the needs of our community and contributing to PEACE and UNITY in the world. VISIT US at the Field of Honor® and explore our website at georgetownrotary.org. 

The Human Trafficking Awareness Mobile Exhibit will help inform families and individuals about the most prevalent criminal activity that is impacting our youth. Learn about ways to recognize the ways that traffickers are abducting youth and adults for sex trafficking, and how to avoid being a victim of this horrific crime. Visit the trailer at the posted times for an insightful tour throughout the week. Tour times will be posted at the field. The Rotary Club of Georgetown Foundation has undertaken this initiative by acquiring this trailer, and makes it available to organizations that want to help further the cause of raising awareness at their events. CONTACT US for more information on how to schedule the trailer. 

Visit the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s PEACE GARDEN that features a Peace Pole that helps inspire peaceful interactions and conversations. Seven Peace Gardens have already been placed in local middle schools. NINE additional GISD schools and Southwestern University will soon also have a Peace Garden, provided by the Rotary Club of Georgetown!

The “Dear Hero” Station is provided again this year by Vacation Liberty School for adults and kids of all ages to write encouraging notes to hero(es) they don’t know, but who will be delighted to receive a kind note, knowing that someone cares about them. Kids can also draw a picture or make a card. These messages will either be sent to active duty soldiers or given to local first responders along with “Adopt-a-Hero” flags. This is something the whole family can do to uplift the spirits of heroes that selflessly protect and serve, near and far.

The Painted Flag on the Field will again be at the foreground of the 16 foot Observation Deck – provided by Ktec – overlooking the entire field. Imagine the amazing photos and videos you can take! The flags immediately surrounding the Painted Flag are dedicated to local veterans whose portraits will be exhibited at City Hall through November. Click here to visit the website! 

Quilt of Valor Ceremonies by Poppy’s Quilt of Valor will again be presented this year. Nominate a veteran that has not yet received a Quilt of Valor to participate in this emotional ceremony and to receive a quilt lovingly made by members of the Poppy’s Quilt n’ Sew group. All are welcome to participate in these ceremonies! 

The dates and times that the ceremonies will be determined at a later date

Click HERE to nominate a veteran (even yourself) for a Quilt of Valor.

Be sure to name Poppy’s Quilt of Valor as the coordinating organization through whom the nomination will be processed. A patriotic quilt will presented to the nominee during a ceremony at the Field of Honor® at a scheduled time. All are welcome to attend these meaningful ceremonies!

Flag Pick Up Days and Times

PICK UP YOUR FLAGS BEGINNING ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, NOON to 5:00 p.m. and SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 FROM 9:00 a.m. TO 3:00 p.m.!

PLEASE NOTE: FLAGS NOT RETRIEVED BY 3:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY, 11/17 BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF GEORGETOWN. If you cannot arrange to pick up your flag(s), please be sure to request shipping upon checkout.