2023 Field of Honor® Events, Exhibits, and Activities
Mark your calendars! November 4 – 12
New Location for this year only…
The 2023 Field of Honor®will be on the field behind the Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning
507 E. University Ave., Georgetown TX
Below is a preliminary list of events for the 2023 Field of Honor®. Visit frequently to see updates as our offerings develop. We have exciting events in the works for this year!
Flag sales and reposts of flags purchased last year (that are in perfect condition) will begin on November 4 and will continue throughout the week until November 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the flag sales tent at the field. Docents are available throughout the Field of Honor® to escort you to your flag(s).
NEW THIS YEAR! Bring a laminated 5″ x 7″ photo of your hero(es) for whom you dedicated a flag and our docents will attach it to the flag for you at no charge. You may want to add a story on the back of the laminated photo about your hero!
Saturday, November 4
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (0900- 1800)
First day open for flag sales and flag reposts! New flags are $45 and reports are $20 as a donation to the Rotary Club of Georgetown Foundation. 100% of these funds will be awarded to organizations that serve veteran and first responders and their families.
Remember that the 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 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.
12:00 p.m.
The Marine Corps League will present their emotional Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.!
All who attend can enjoy a piece of cake as long as supplies last. Be among those who eat cake in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 238th birthday!
Sunday, November 5
1:30 p. m. (1330) – Don’t miss the majestic Opening Ceremonies, with a dynamic Keynote Speaker, a wonderful Military Band, great Static Displays, fabulous Flyovers by the Devil Dog and the Falcon Flight Team of Formation flyers, the inspiring Parade of Colors, and the exciting Williamson County Sheriff’s K9 Demos!
Central Texas Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert at GHS Performing Arts Center
Monday – Friday, November 6-10
School Field Trips (may be 6th – 9th if schools observe Veterans Day on 11/10)
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Business Network Luncheon (Ticketed event). More information will be available on the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce website later this year. A link will be provided when registration is available.
Friday, November 10
Guest Speaker Francis Gary Powers Jr. – 1 hr Cold War presentation and book signing. Time TBD.
Saturday, November 11
Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. (1100): Keynote Speaker Lt. General Jim Huggins (ret), and Flyover by Falcon Flight will delight all in attendance! Enjoy the music of the Central Texas Community Band and the splendor of the field of waving flags during this meaningful ceremony. The bells will toll at 11:11 in honor of Armistice Day.
Guest Speaker Francis Gary Powers, Jr. 15 min Cold War presentation and book signing. (Time TBD)
Flag pick-up begins from noon to 5 p.m. (1200 – 1700)
Sunday, November 12
Flag pick-up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All week as weather and time permits:
Flag Retirement Ceremonies will take place in the early evenings at Edwards Park, caddy corner from the Field of Honor®. Witness the respectful retirement of Old Glory in the ceremony organized and presented by the American Heritage Girls.
Quilt of Valor Ceremonies by Poppy’s Quilt of Valor. Ceremonies will again be presented by Poppy’s Quilt of Valor. 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! Dates and times of these ceremonies will be updated at the end of October.
NOTE: The above schedule is subject to change as our exciting plans evolve. Visit the website often to get the latest information and times for each days’ events! www.georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org
Below is a list of events from the 2022 Field of Honor®. Visit frequently to see events for 2023 as we confirm them. We have exciting things in the works for this year.
Mark your calendars for November 4 through 12 for the
2023 Field of Honor®!
2022 EVENT INFORMATION
The Rotary Club of Georgetown is pleased to announce that the 6th annual Field of Honor® will be held again this year at San Gabriel Park!
Major events, such as the fabulous Grand Opening Ceremonies, large static displays, an inspiring Veterans Day program, the Patriots Celebration BBQ, and other special tributes and events are being planned. Join us at the Field anytime, day or night, 24/7 during the week of Veterans Day, from November 5 – 12, and pick up your flag(s) beginning on Saturday, Nov. 12 from noon to 5:00, and on on Sunday the 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
NEW THIS YEAR! We are also pleased to announce that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will have their 9/11 “NEVER FORGET” 1,100 sq. ft. Mobil Exhibit at the Field of Honor® throughout the entire week of the event!
Actual FDNY Volunteers will be there to provide tours and their own experience on that tragic day. Exhibit tour hours will be shown here the week before the start of the Field of Honor®. CLICK HERE to see a video about this exciting exhibit, or view it on the HOME page! We are grateful to the W.D. Kelley Foundation, OPTIMUM, and the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation – Hood Endowment that provided the funds to make this exhibit possible for the entire week of the Field of Honor®! The arrival of the trailer carrying the exhibit will be escorted by the Georgetown Police and Fire Departments, the Williamson County Sheriff, and the Patriot Guard Riders. The route will begin near the Sheraton and will travel east on 29 to Austin Ave, then turn left. We hope that many will be out there cheering them on as they travel through the Georgetown Square and continue along Austin Avenue to Chamber Way and into San Gabriel Park. A welcome ceremony, music by the acclaimed ALMOST AUSTIN band, and other festivities will take place, after which they will assemble the exhibit! Don’t miss this exciting arrival of the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 “Never Forget” Mobile Exhibit!
PRE-ORDER FLAGS NOW online by clicking here: “Flag Sales” or on the Flag Sales tab above. You can also purchase and dedicate flags at the Field of Honor® for your heroes every day, November 5 to November 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and November 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and November 12 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. FLAGS ARE $45 EACH.
To REPOST FLAGS – Bring your flag(s) to the Field of Honor® beginning Saturday, November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day through November 10, and November 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flags must be inspected prior to being reposted, and must be in perfect condition to be able to repost. Please understand that flags cannot be frayed, tattered, faded, stained, or damaged in any way. If a flag is deemed unsuitable for reposting, you may purchase a new flag for $45. A new dedication tag will be created either way. The Reposting donation is $20.
EXHIBITS AND ACTIVITIES
EXHIBITS
The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 “Never Forget” Mobile Exhibit is this years’ exciting featured exhibit, made possible through generous grants and contributions from the W.D. Kelley Foundation, Optimum, and the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation. Tours will be provided as scheduled throughout the week by FDNY firefighters that were eyewitnesses to 9/11. The tour schedule is as follows:
General Public
Saturday, 11/5 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11/6 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, 11/7 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 11/8 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/9 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, 11/10 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, 11/11 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11/12 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
GISD Student Field Trips
Monday, 11/7 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 11/8 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/9 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, 11/10 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Human Trafficking mobile educational trailer will help educate 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 kids, 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. The Rotary Club of Georgetown Foundation has taken on this initiative by acquiring this trailer. The Austin Veteran Arts Festival (AVAFEST) 2022 Art Exhibit will be a part of this year’s Field of Honor events from November 5 – 11, 2022. AVAFEST is a branch of the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel (VSPChannel) and the brainchild of its creator, Glenn Towery. The motto of AVAFEST is “Healing Veterans through the Arts and Community.” Having benefited from using the arts to heal from PTSD, Towery, a combat veteran, believes it can help other veterans as well. This is the fourth annual AVAFEST that will host multiple events and will run from October 12 – November 12, 2022 in Austin and surrounding cities. AVAFEST is honored to be a part of the Field of Honor 2022 celebration and will showcase the art of veterans and veteran family members. To find out more about AVAFEST 2022 events, visit www.avafest.org. Exhibit hours will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To submit art for the exhibit, contact Juanita Towery, Curator, at juanitatower@gmail.com.
Visit the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s PEACE GARDEN that features a Peace Pole that helps inspire peaceful interactions and conversations. Eleven GISD schools and Southwestern University will soon have a Peace Garden, provided by the Rotary Club of Georgetown!
ACTIVITIES
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 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.
Flag Retirement Ceremonies Ceremonious flag retirements will be held each night during the week, starting Monday November 7th. Ceremonies will begin around dusk (wind and weather dependent). The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and participate in all ceremonies. Currently, Georgetown American Heritage Girls and Scouts BSA troops will be conducting ceremonies but other organizations will be represented as well. Please contact the Flag Retirement Director to schedule your group or organization, no experience necessary. Ceremonies can be scheduled through our Flag Retirement Director, AHG Patriot Christianna White, at GTXFOHFlagRetirement@gmail.com.
School Field Trips! GISD students will again have an opportunity to participate in person in Field Trips to the Field of Honor® to learn about our U.S. and Texas flag history, see the 8 foot Rotary Peace Pole, and learn from Williamson Museum volunteers about the Revolution,. Students will also interact with military members, some of whom will be joining in virtually from deployment duty stations around the world, and with local first responders. FDNY volunteers will provide guided tours through the Tunnel to Towers 911 “Never Forget” Exhibit, which will be a special part of their learning experience. Participating students will receive a pocket Constitution of the United States of America upon completing the Field Trip.
We also encourage nominations of veteran and first responder residents for a Quilt of Valor to be presented at the Field when they visit. Timing of Quilt of Valor presentations must be coordinated with Poppy’s Quilt of Valor in Georgetown.
Quilt of Valor Ceremonies held on Tuesday, 11/8, Wednesday, 11/9, and Friday, 11/11.
The remaining ceremonies will be held on Friday, November 11 at 9:00, 9:15, 9:30, and 9:45 a.m.
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!
The Painted Flag on the Field will again be at the foreground of the 16 foot Observation Deck overlooking the entire field. Imagine the amazing photos and videos you can take!
Senior Citizen Field Trips! Groups of residents of various 55+, assisted living, and independent living residences are invited to visit the Field of Honor® at designated times throughout the week by reservation. Activity Directors are encouraged to CONTACT US to reserve a time throughout the week to bring their residents to enjoy the Field. Note: Activity Directors must provide wheel chairs, walkers, and/or mobility assistance for the residents that need them. If a golf cart is available, a Field of Honor® volunteer docent may take residents to the flags and to the exhibit; however, Activity Directors must provide mobility assistance to visiting residents as needed.
EVENT SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
Opening Day
Saturday, November 5, 2022 – Multiple events!
BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M., BRING YOUR FLAGS FROM PRIOR YEARS TO HAVE THEM INSPECTED FOR REPOSTING AT THE FIELD!
Remember that the 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 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.
Saturday, November 5, 2022
The SERTOMA Nathan Chapman Honor Walk will kick off with the week of the Field of Honor®.The Field of Honor® and Honor Walk recognize Veterans and First Responders who serve in harm’s way to keep us safe and free. The walk is named in honor of Nathan Ross Chapman whose military career spanned 13 years. Army Sergeant First Class Chapman, with 1st Special Forces Group, was the first American soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan. On September 11, 2006, a bronze casting dedicated to Chapman’s memory was put on display at the Georgetown Courts Building where it resides today. The 5K walk starts and finishes at the Field of Honor® at the Event Tent in the Activity Field. All walkers will be given the opportunity to announce the name of the Veteran or First Responder they are walking to honor. A playground and rest rooms are nearby and volunteers will offer water stops along the way. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the Honor Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Click HERE for more information and to register for the Honor Walk!
Saturday, November 5, 2022
The arrival and the welcome ceremony will take place at about 9:30 a.m. The exhibit will arrive following an escorted trip from I-35 down University Ave, left on Austin Ave. through Georgetown Square, and arriving at about 9:30 a.m. The escorts include our Georgetown Police and Fire Department, Williamson County Sheriffs, and the Patriot Guard Riders! A Welcome Ceremony, music by the acclaimed ALMOST AUSTIN band, and other festivities will take place, followed by the set-up of the exhibit. Exhibit tours will begin at approximately 1:00 p.m. Join us to celebrate their arrival and enjoy the ceremony! And then line up to take a tour with the FDNY firefighters that were eyewitnesses to 9/11.
The Marine Corps League will present their emotional Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.!
All who attend can enjoy a piece of cake as long as supplies last. Be among those who eat cake in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 237th birthday!Join us for the exciting escorted celebration of the arrival of the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 “Never Forget” Mobile Exhibit!
Saturday, November 5, 2022
The Marine Corps League will present their emotional Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.!
All who attend can enjoy a piece of cake as long as supplies last. Be among those who eat cake in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 237th birthday!
Grand Opening Ceremonies: A Celebration of Heroes
Sunday, November 6, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
DON’T MISS THIS DAY’S EVENTS!
All day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., bring the whole family and your friends and neighbors to enjoy STATIC DISPLAYS including two tanks from Fort Hood – an Abrams and a Bradley – that kids of all ages can explore, inside and out, real cannons from the Sons of the Republic of Texas, and Police, Fire, Sheriff, EMS, SWAT, and other tactical vehicles. Three amazing K-9 demos – at 10:30, 11:30, and 3:00 – will be provided by the Williamson County Sheriff’s K9 unit, Remember to bring your camera or phone. You’ll have lots of opportunities to take fabulous photos!
OPENING CEREMONIES begin at 1:30 p.m. The Falcon Flight formation flying team will provide a flyover to kick off the ceremony, followed by the emotion-filled ceremony with music from the 36th Infantry Band of the Texas National Guard, a beautiful military hymn sung by a cappella group, Tonal Harmony (composed by Tom Lough, a local composer from Round Rock), the pageantry of the Parade of Colors, presentation of the US and Texas flags, and keynote speaker, Major General Ronald Win Burkett,II, Commander, 36th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard, Austin, TX! The B-25 Devil Dog flyover will also provide a rumbling flyover as an exciting finale!
The military hymn that will be sung during the ceremony is titled, “Ever Faithful to the Call.” It is a hymn composed by local composer, Tom Lough, that honors the service of our soldiers as they do whatever is necessary to keep us free. Because of this focus, it is becoming known informally as “The Soldiers’ Hymn.” Visit www.everfaithfultothecall.com to see the words and music.
After the ceremony, tour the magnificent Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget” Exhibit and speak with FDNY volunteers that were eye-witnesses to the tragic events. Visit the AVAFEST Veteran Art Exhibit, and the Human Trafficking awareness trailer.
THIS IS ALL FREE!!
Come and go at your convenience or stay all day!
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Business Network Luncheon
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 – 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The monthly Georgetown Chamber of Commerce “BNL” meeting will be hosted at the Field of Honor® in the event tent! Contact the Chamber for reservations!
Veterans Day Ceremony
Friday, November 11, 2022 – 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
RAIN OR SHINE…. On Veterans Day, against the dramatic backdrop of up to 1,600+ flags, we will honor and celebrate all our nation’s Veterans. The bell will be rung 11 times in commemoration of the observance of the signed armistice when guns fell silent following World War I, and in honor of those who have served, and currently serve in wars and battles around the world. Music by the Community Band of Central Texas, and a performance by the Sun City Sassy Ladies, will be the prelude to the main program. You will feel the spirit with a beautiful invocation hymn, “Ever Faithful to the Call,” composed by Tom Lough – a local composer, and sung by the a cappella group, Tonal Harmony. Keynote speaker, Brigadier General Michael Adame (ret) will offer inspiring words, and a flyover by the amazing Falcon Flight team (weather dependent) will add to the majesty of the ceremony, adding to the meaningful experience for all who attend. Please be in your seats in front of the event tent on the field, or inside the tent if it is raining, by 10:45 a.m. for the prelude performances, and to allow us to begin the formal program promptly at 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. TAI CHI
JOIN US FOR TAI CHI with instructors Jane N Son, Tal Ladecky, Vince Cobalis, and Dave Pickens from the World Tai Chi Qigong Day in Central Texas will present demonstrations on various Tai Chi forms.They will cap the day with an audience interactive form of the first two lines presentation of the Simplified Twenty-four International form.
Patriots Celebration BBQ!
Friday, November 11, 2022 – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Get ready to kick up your heels during the Patriots Celebration BBQ in the EVENT tent (heated if necessary)! Great BBQ, entertainment, libations, dancing, auction, raffle, and the presentation of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Patriot Award will top off the evening’s festivities! Get your tickets soon! They are going FAST!
Honor Flight Austin 2021-2022 Reunion Brunch
Saturday, November 12, 2022 – 10 a.m. to noon
Veterans that participated in an Honor Flight in 2021 or 2022 are invited to attend a reunion at the Field of Honor®. Share experiences with each other about your particular flight and what it meant to you. Invitations are being sent soon. If you have a flag on the Field, you may take it home with you following the reunion! And be sure to visit the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 “Never Forget” Mobile Exhibit, the Veteran Art Exhibit, the Rotary 60th Anniversary display in the tent, and of course, wander among the 1600 flags. It is an experience you will never forget!
Central Texas Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert
Sunday, November 13, 2022 – 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Join us for the final event of this year’s Field of Honor®! The Central Texas Philharmonic has again joined us as an event partner! Their Patriotic Concertwill be at the Klett Performing Arts Center at Georgetown High School – right down the street from the Field of Honor®.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Representatives will also be at the Field of Honor® to sell tickets.
The CTX Philharmonic is also offering complimentary tickets again this year. Veterans and service members can apply here or by email at: veterans@centraltexasphilharmonic.org
Flag Pick Up Days and Times
PICK UP YOUR FLAGS BEGINNING ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, NOON to 5:00 p.m. and SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 FROM 9:00 a.m. TO 3:00 p.m.!
PLEASE NOTE: FLAGS NOT RETRIEVED BY 3:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY, 11/13 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.
