Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The Field of Honor was on display for the week for Veterans Day.
Dear Editor:
The inaugural Veterans Field of Honor® week is now history. I have a lot of people to thank for helping make this event the success it turned out to be. First, those who planted the idea; Peggy Hunter, who challenged me to do something memorable for the veterans and those family members currently serving in the armed services. Then, my wife Theresa and her friend Rosie Weckman, who took me on a trip see The Field of Honor in Murrieta, Calif.
The Safford Lions Club and The American Legion members joined me on this exciting adventure for the last eight months. I want to publicly thank the members of these organizations for taking up the challenge to bring this exceptional patriotic display to the Safford City Hall lawn. The Organizing Committee included Carey Cleland, Lydia Rodela Cress, Paul David, Mike Garcia, Wyn Chris Gibbs, Harvey John, Lisa Lane, Ed Lopez, Linda Lopez, Joy Oller, Steve Oller, Ginny Peck, Bobbie Reed, Horatio Skeete, and Kat Stricklin.
You gave generously of your time to make this event the success it was. Your dedication and commitment to a memorable event is commendable, and the reception the field received by the general public showed how much it was appreciated. No event of this magnitude could be possible without the generous financial contribution of many of our local businesses, so a special thanks to those businesses and municipalities who stepped forward to help: The towns of Pima and Thatcher, and the city of Safford, and Graham County who lead the way and were the first to sign onto the idea. The following business also made generous contributions to the Field of Honor®, including Walmart, Freeport McMoRan, Bowman, DRG Technology, Aaron’s Rentals, Theresa Simms, OneAz Credit Union, III Counties Distributing, and Eastern Arizona Courier.
Thanks to Vance Bryce, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for your help with connecting us to the three local restaurants who helped make the lavish lunch served to the veterans following the parade possible, JD’s, Kainoa’s and the Manner House.
Once again thanks to all who helped and to those who bought flags and visited the Field of Honor®.
Horatio Skeete
Chair of the Field of Honor® Committee
