'Healing Field' A Tribute To Fallen Soldiers

LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The next time you're in Lafayette, you're bound to see it. A massive flag-filled display called the "Healing Field" honors our fallen heroes.

At first glance, they appear to be ordinary flags, but these American, coalition ally and hero flags represent so much more.

"It's a memorial to the soldiers who've lost their lives since 9/11. We had two local boys that lost their lives and the communities wanted to outreach to them," Kris DeHahn, president of the Business Master Exchange Club said.

22-year-old Marine Cpl. Bryan Wilson's flag is part of the display, as is a flag representing 20-year-old Army Spc. Luke Frist. Both Indiana soldiers lost their lives in Iraq.

For area teachers, this display is a lesson just waiting to be taught. "I don't think it's pro-war or anti-war. It's just understanding how important it is to take a stand on something and what the consequences are for our country and other nations," Tecumseh Middle School teacher Valerie Montgomery said.

The significance of the display is not lost on students. "They're out fighting for their lives. They might die at any second," Tecumseh sixth-grader R.J. Layton said.

More than 2,400 flags are next to Tecumseh Middle School. That count grows each day.

It's an impressive display, but one that pales in comparison to the soldiers each flag represents, men and women giving the ultimate sacrifice, paying the ultimate price.

The display will be in Lafayette through May 30. Every evening at 7:00, there's an invocation. Taps is played and flags are added to the display.

While at the Healing Field, you can purchase a flag for $30. Proceeds will benefit child abuse prevention and families of fallen soldiers.

More Info: The Healing Field