CityView Magazine

28 September 2023 flag, fold it and package it to send to everyone who purchased them or we mail them to those they honored. Sometimes, we have sponsors who donate their flags back to us so that we can use them in our Vietnam veteran pinning ceremonies. It's an enduring kind of project, but I wouldn't expect less considering where we live," says Lane. e Field of Honor is a partnership with Cool Spring Downtown District. 'A sacred place' Civic leader George Breece and his wife, Dena, are two longtime supporters of the Field of Honor. Breece says they have made it an annual tradition to sponsor flags. "e flags represent those who have served our nation," says Breece. "Many have given their lives and limbs. Others have spent most of their adult lives fighting for freedom and liberty across the world. And their families have served our nation right along with their loved ones. e Field of Honor is a sacred place, one that is a reminder that our community is the front door to freedom for America and the world." One of the flags the Breeces purchased this year will honor Air Force veteran Paul Prusakowski, who died in February. "When I told his son Paul what we were going to do, he was stone silent, he was so overcome. He then thanked us and said that they gave a flag to the family at his funeral, but to think of a flag flying at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum … means a lot," Breece says. Standing amid the flags, Breece says he cannot help but feel moved, especially thinking of the hundreds of families who have been represented over the years. "As long as I draw breath, I'm going to continue to buy flags in the Field of Honor," Breece says. "It shows our community's love, respect and appreciation to see them flying and honoring our men and women. Our Field of Honor is now an institutional part of Fayetteville and Cumberland County." e Airborne & Special Operations Museum is at 100 Bragg Blvd. in downtown Fayetteville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Monday. For more information, call 910-643-2778 or email info@asomf.org. Visit the museum's website at asomf.org/. The 16th annual Field of Honor will be on display from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12. Photo by Johnny Horne

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