Field of Flags
at Saugatuck Congregational Church
June 18th — July 5, 2010
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Field of Flags at Saugatuck Congregational Church
Saugatuck Congregational Church was honored to have hosted Field of Flags, a silent, patriotic and poignant reminder of the cost of war. Each flag represented not simply one casualty, but all the family members and friends who have been touched by that life now gone. They represented 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.
On Friday, June 18th, 5,516 American flags — one for each American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan as of 10:00AM on June 17th — were placed on our church’s great lawn by church, veteran and community groups. On June 27th, 20 additional flags, representing American casualties from June 17-25th, were placed. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said a few words and helped place the flags. On July 4th, an additional 7 flags were placed for the American casualties from June 26th- July 3rd. During these two additional ceremonies, each name was read, and the church bells tolled.
With about 10,000 cars passing by the church each day, a steady stream of visitors from Westport, the entire country and from numerous countries including Israel, France, the UK, and United Nations guests from Azerbaijan came to pay their respects, reflect and remember the Fallen Heroes. The flags remained in place through the Fourth of July weekend.
The list of casualties, by state, was displayed in the church narthex (vestibule) showing the name and rank of each American casualty. Unique to our Field of Flags display were the 52 markers, one for each Fallen Hero from Connecticut, lining the church driveway.
Our Sunday Farmer’s Market dedicated three Sundays to our Connecticut veterans:
- Kick for Nick® : collecting soccer balls to be sent to children in Iraq
- Homes For The Brave®: a 42-bed transitional housing facility located in Bridgeport for male veterans, which also offers intensive case management and vocational services
- Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes: Creating a transitional supportive housing program for homeless female veterans
The “Field of Flags” was dedicated in October 2005 at the Somers Congregational Church in Somers, Connecticut. For more information regarding the history of the Field of Flags, please visit their website.
Our SCC Field of Flags Team Members:
- Co-Chairs: Mary Ann West & Randy Christophersen
- Ruth Jones (mother of a CT National Guardsman deployed in January)
- Liz-Ann Koos
- William Meyer
- Anne Patterson
- David Pool
- Nancy Pool
Special Thanks go to:
- The Somers Congregational Church Flag Missions Team, Anne Kirkpatrick and Jo-Ann Hornyak, for their mission in bringing Field of Flags to communities around the country
- American Red Cross
- Baker Graphics
- State Senator Toni Boucher
- Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
- Cameron Bruce, trumpeter
- Don Cavett, bagpiper
- CERT — Civilian Emergency Response Team for directing traffic
- Bob Custer and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 for their invaluable knowledge and flag displays
- David Doyle, SCC, for grounds maintenance and spectacular church presentation
- Craig Gillespie, musician
- Marcia Harrington, Saugatuck Congregational Church office angel
- Don Hazzard and the American Legion
- Interfaith Council of Westport and Weston
- Gordon Joseloff, First Selectman of Westport
- Joe Kowalsky, J.P. Landscaping
- Dan Long for Field of Flags poster and artwork design
- Shalini Madaras, Kick for Nick and Homes for the Brave
- Nicole Mathias, harpist
- Oscar’s Deli owner Lee Papageorge for providing tents, breakfast, lunch, and water for our volunteers
- Patriot Guard, who honor those in military service
- Saugatuck Congregational Church Trustees and Council
- Rev. Howie Tobak, Interim Minister, Saugatuck Congregational Church
- The Shamrogues, with SCC’s own Bill Morse
- Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce
- Westport Downtown Merchants Association
- Westport Fire Department
- Westport Parks & Recreation Department
- Westport Police Department
- And all the volunteers who are keeping the spirit of Field of Flags alive…
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