The Inaugural Berks County Field of Honor was dedicated on Monday. A display of 180 U.S. Flags is flying over the Wyomissing Stone House Pond until Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Each of the Flags represents an individual and tells a story. Flags are dedicated to honor individuals currently serving in our Active-Duty Military, Fallen Servicemen & Women, First Responders, Heroes in Our Lives, Veterans & Hometown Heroes.
The West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club was looking for a service project to bring the community together in a patriotic tribute to honor our heroes. The Stars & Stripes reminds us of who we are as a people. Americans meet the challenges of history and overcome hardships becoming stronger. That is who we are. The United States flag represents our solidarity in creating a brighter tomorrow and uniting us all.
That was the theme of the Dedication Ceremony that included the Presentation of Colors by Berks County Sheriff Honor Guard, William Tobin – Berks County Veterans Affairs leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem performed by Eagle Scout Benjamin Small.
After a moment of Silence/Reflection and the playing of Taps, the Ribbon was cut to dedicate the Field of Honor. Senator Judy Schwank; Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz; Berks Commissioners Christian Leinbach, Michael Rivera and Lucine Silenik; West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag along with Dr. Charles Barbera, President/CEO Reading Hospital (Old Glory Sponsor); provided their thoughts about the impact of heroes in our lives.
Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital President, and CEO said, “Reading Hospital is proud to sponsor the 2023 Berks County Field of Honor to recognize, celebrate, and honor all our heroes. I encourage our community to visit this powerful tribute and take a moment to reflect on the significance of Independence Day. On behalf of the team at Reading Hospital, we wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy holiday.”
According to Carolyne Jordan, Past President of the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club and Co-Chair of the Field of Honor, “This is an experience hard to describe, and we invite all to visit the Berks County Inaugural Field of Honor to walk among the posted flags and learn about the individual dedication stories on the medallions.”
The Club partnered with Wyomissing Borough Park & Recreations Department to enhance the community celebration of the July 4th Celebration and have a central location in Berks County.
“The Field of Honor became a reality through flag dedications, donations, sponsorships, and the efforts of many Rotarians and volunteers.” Said Rotarian Ed Ogden Co-Chair of the Field of Honor. “A special thank you to the Prospectus Berco Vocational Work Team who took time out of their busy work schedules to assemble the U.S. flags.”
A complete listing of sponsors and supporters along with a list of who the U.S. flags were dedicated in honor of can be found at the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club website at the Rotary Club of West Reading-Wyomissing (clubrunner.ca) under the Field of Honor tab on the home page.
