Memorial Service and Dedication of the Flags
Saturday, June 27th, at 4:00
We will be having a special service honoring the 5,015 fallen troops on Saturday at 4:00 outside the front of the church. Please join us in prayer and song as we honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
Saturday, June 27th, at 4:00
We will be having a special service honoring the 5,015 fallen troops on Saturday at 4:00 outside the front of the church. Please join us in prayer and song as we honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
The Bridgewater Congregational Church is privileged to host the Field of Flags from June 19th to July 12th. Each flag represents one American casualty in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. When the Field of Flags was first Dedicated on October 23, 2005, by the Somers Congregational Church (Somers, Connecticut), there were 2,231 flags, one for each American casualty in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Very sadly, as of June 17th, the number of casualties has reached 5,015. The number of casulaties is updated three times per week and can be found at www.defenselink.mil/news/.
Read the story below of how this poignant and powerful tribute to the fallen soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan originated at the Somers Congregational Church.
Following the article are questions and answers provided by the Somers church.
Read the story below of how this poignant and powerful tribute to the fallen soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan originated at the Somers Congregational Church.
Following the article are questions and answers provided by the Somers church.
From the Somers (Connecticut) Congregational Church:
History of the Field of Flags
The “Field of Flags” was dedicated on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at the Somers Congregational Church in Somers, Connecticut. Members of the Memorial Garden Committee of the Somers Congregational Church placed 2,231 American flags, one for each American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The flags were placed to honor those who have given their lives in the conflicts and to show that those who have died and their families and friends were remembered in prayer at our church.
The list of casualties, by state, was displayed on a name board by the Field of Flags showing the name and rank of each American casualty. A notebook was kept in the church building with the name, rank, town, state and date of death of each American casualty.
The idea for the Field of Flags came about as members of the Memorial Garden Committee considered what our church could do to show support for our troops. Each casualty reminded us of the danger and increased the empathy we felt for the families of those who have died.
The Field of Flags had more impact than the committee envisioned with the media coverage and the emotional reaction from our community and beyond. People came from towns across the state and out of state to see the flags and view the name board. Individuals and families have found the display to be emotional, yet comforting to know that their loves ones have been remembered.
The Field of Flags is a silent, patriotic and poignant reminder of the cost of war. Each flag represents not simply one casualty, but all the family members and friends who have been touched by that life now gone. They represent our respect for those who have served and are currently serving in the military and our hope for peace in the future, for a time when no one is called upon by our country to give the greatest sacrifice. Please continue to pray for the safety of all of our troops and for the families of the fallen heroes.
Churches that are interested in having the Field of Flags can call the church office at the Somers Congregational Church, Somers, Connecticut at (860) 763-4021. Members of the Memorial Garden Committee will bring the flags and the name board to your church and assist in setting up the Field of Flags.
History of the Field of Flags
The “Field of Flags” was dedicated on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at the Somers Congregational Church in Somers, Connecticut. Members of the Memorial Garden Committee of the Somers Congregational Church placed 2,231 American flags, one for each American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The flags were placed to honor those who have given their lives in the conflicts and to show that those who have died and their families and friends were remembered in prayer at our church.
The list of casualties, by state, was displayed on a name board by the Field of Flags showing the name and rank of each American casualty. A notebook was kept in the church building with the name, rank, town, state and date of death of each American casualty.
The idea for the Field of Flags came about as members of the Memorial Garden Committee considered what our church could do to show support for our troops. Each casualty reminded us of the danger and increased the empathy we felt for the families of those who have died.
The Field of Flags had more impact than the committee envisioned with the media coverage and the emotional reaction from our community and beyond. People came from towns across the state and out of state to see the flags and view the name board. Individuals and families have found the display to be emotional, yet comforting to know that their loves ones have been remembered.
The Field of Flags is a silent, patriotic and poignant reminder of the cost of war. Each flag represents not simply one casualty, but all the family members and friends who have been touched by that life now gone. They represent our respect for those who have served and are currently serving in the military and our hope for peace in the future, for a time when no one is called upon by our country to give the greatest sacrifice. Please continue to pray for the safety of all of our troops and for the families of the fallen heroes.
Churches that are interested in having the Field of Flags can call the church office at the Somers Congregational Church, Somers, Connecticut at (860) 763-4021. Members of the Memorial Garden Committee will bring the flags and the name board to your church and assist in setting up the Field of Flags.
