(Seguin) – The 2021 Field of Honor is officially underway and community leaders are giving thanks to this year’s committee for again reminding us on our freedoms and showcasing the list of heroes it takes to make sure that America continues to stand tall.
Speaking just yards across from the sea of American flags along State Highway 123 Bypass, guest speakers chimed in on the community gift brought forth by the local Field of Honor committee. The speakers were all part of Saturday morning’s opening ceremonies held in the parking lot of Seguin High School’s Goldie Harris Gymnasium.
Giving thanks to the committee and all the man hours it took to raise the hundreds of flags on the seven and a half foot tall poles was Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen. Dodgen says Seguin should be grateful to be serving as a host site for the patriotic display.
“I want to thank everyone here and especially the committee for creating this wonderful event to celebrate our heroes. I know that each and every one of us feel privileged to be a small part. I know that I do. We can not begin to express our gratitude for those men and women who have sacrificed and those who are continuing to serve ensuring our freedoms. Today, marks the beginning of a visual reminder of how blessed we are to be an American and to live in this wonderful country. Thank you for those who had a vision and who carried that vision out to bring us this beautiful Field of Honor,” said Dodgen.
Also appreciative for adding teachers to this year’s list of heroes to be recognized was Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Gutierrez. Gutierrez says after watching how things unfolded this past year, teachers have more than illustrated their heroic efforts.
“When Texas public schools shut down in March of 2020, our teachers were faced with a host of immediate challenges. First and foremost to transition literally overnight from classroom instruction to remote learning and our teachers accomplished this. Next, when we opened our schools in September of 2020, our teachers were tasked with delivering instruction to students face to face in the classroom as remote instruction to those students whose parents opted to keep their students at home. Our teachers accomplished this. In the classroom, our teachers were responsible for not only maintaining a positive learning environment but also a healthy learning environment. Imagine kindergarten students parading in the hallways multiple times a day to wash their hands — safe distancing in the classrooms and cafeteria for all students was also a requirement as were masks. Teachers stepped in to help custodians to keep their classrooms clean. Our teachers accomplished this,” said Gutierrez.
Also serving as a guest speaker was Seguin Police Chief Terry Nichols. Nichols recognized all those heroes in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency services, veterans as well as those who continue to serve our country.
Nichols says this year’s sea of red, white and blue is also important as it represents a whole new crop of heroes.
“But this past year has also taught us that are many others that fit this role as a hero. These are frontline workers in our hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing homes, essential workers who have come from any different disciplines having kept our country running. Our children being educated as you so eloquently heard from Dr. Gutierrez. Food delivered to our stores and delivered to those in need through Mega Food Distribution events hosted by GRMC, the city, the county and many others. So, I think that we have learned this year that in a way, we are all heroes. We certainly have the capability and capacity to be a hero. We live in the greatest state in the greatest country in the world. I’m also honored to say that we also live in one of the greatest communities and counties in the state of Texas. Again, thank you for the committee who put the Field of Honor together again this year,” said Nichols.
In between guest speakers, the crowd was also treated with music provided by Clint Taft, Julissa Villareal and by the San Antonio Pipe and Drums.
The second annual Field of Honor is hosted by a local committee and operates under the umbrella of the Colonia Flag Foundation. The field first appeared in 2019 but was forced to cancel due to the pandemic in 2020.
Leading the charge locally are Co-Chairs Connie Ramirez and Chris Aviles along with Program Coordinator Ernest Ramirez and Volunteer Coordinator Diana Smith. Other noted committee members include Kathy Aviles, Bill Smith, Felisa Ramirez, Mark Salinas, Sandra Young, Donald Young, Joe Medina and Craig Russell.
Again, this year the flags are not only dedicated to first responders and to veterans but also to all teachers and other health professionals who played a significant role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flags can be sponsored for $30. On July 5, all flags will get to go home with each donor.
Until then, the flags will be flown at the corner of East Cedar Street and State Highway 123 Bypass through July 5. Each evening at 7 p.m. the public is encouraged to gather at the site as Taps are played by local musician Roxanne Heckman.
Proceeds from the event go to support the SS American Memorial located at 45 Naumann Rd. The non-profit supports active military and veterans by providing them with a quiet and supportive space to heal.
Flags can be purchased each night at the site located at Faith Lutheran Church or by calling 830-243-2872.