Gene Hamill of the American Legion Post 83 Color Guard steps forward as the group conducts
the presentation of colors at the start of Saturday’s ceremony in the Field of Honor at Merced College.
Command Sergeant Major Jesus Deniz, USMC, was this year’s Field of Honor keynote speaker.
The Merced High Marching 100 provided guests with music throughout the event.
Merced College President Chris Vitelli welcomes guest to the Merced College campus during the 0opening ceremony.
Captain Tony Dominguez of the California Highway Patrol speaks about his involvement in services conducted for those military members who lost their lives oversees and the impactful nature of it.
During the opening ceremony a flyover had residents look to the sky as a military aircraft flew over the field of American flags.
During the opening ceremony a flyover had residents look to the sky as a military aircraft flew over the field of American flags.
During the opening ceremony a flyover had residents look to the sky as a military aircraft flew over the field of American flags.
The Merced County Children’s Choir was on hand once again for this year’s event.
The Merced County Children’s Choir was on hand once again for this year’s event.
The opening ceremony of this year’s Field of Honor gathered local residents together to celebrate the lives of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as those who have served as this nation’s first responders.
The event also provided a first look at the patriotic display of more than 2,000 American flags on the front lawn of Merced College. Every flag on the field is placed by a local sponsor to honor a specific military veteran or first responder.
This Field of Honor — now in its 11th year — will be open throughout the week, and of course, on Veteran’s Day this Saturday, Nov. 11. A closing ceremony will be held that day at 11 a.m.
“Each flag tells the story of sacrifice, dedication, leaving family family behind while they answered the call of duty or deployed, and going to foreign places not knowing if they would make it home alive,” said Command Sergeant Major Jesus Deniz, USMC, at Sunday’s ceremony. “As you walk through the field, many will attest, that you can feel a sense that they are with you, even if you don’t know them, and each of them tells you their story.”
Deniz added, “This field speaks to us because they’re our loved ones, our friends, members we no longer see or can no longer see, or have not seen in awhile. Or those members which have sacrificed everything for our protection. They have left a lasting legacy for us to learn from.”
The Field of Honor is a community service project brought together by the Merced Sunrise Rotary and Merced College. This year’s field is also highlighted by an exhibit that details the History of American Flags, a 9/11 tribute, and a Local Fallen Heroes Memorial.
The Field of Honor is open 24 hours a day through Nov. 11, with staff present at the field from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. It is located at 3600 M Street, on the southwest corner of the Merced College campus. Proceeds from the Field of Honor go to help veterans, first responders, and other local causes such as the Castle Air Museum, school programs, Crime Stoppers, and helping to secure EKG machines for the Merced Fire Department.
For more information on the Field of Honor, residents are encouraged to visit online at: mercedfieldofhonor.org.
Veterans Day Parade In Downtown Merced
Everyone is invited to attend the annual Veterans Day Parade on Main Street in downtown Merced on Saturday, Nov. 11.
The opening ceremony starts at 2 p.m., in Bob Hart Square at Main and Canal streets. Veterans will post colors. The National Anthem will be performed. And look for a military aircraft flyover.
There will also be speeches and presentations by elected leaders, grand marshals, and other dignitaries.
The hometown parade will start at 3 p.m. along Main Street, from G Street through O Street.
This is an excellent opportunity to thank our local veterans for their service to the country!
If you can’t make it, the event will be live-streamed on the Facebook page of the Merced County Human Services Agency.