The “Field of Honor” pays tribute to veterans, first responders and other local heroes.
SUGAR LAND, Texas — Fort Bend County veterans and other local heroes are being honored this weekend in Sugar Land with a display of 2,000 American flags.
The “Field of Honor” is located on the University of Houston Sugar Land campus, just off the Southwest Freeway.
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land organized the display, which is in its second year. Doug Earle, chairman for the Field of Honor, said last year there were 1,000 flags — and they added 1,000 more this time around.
“We want people to be proud of our country, proud of the flag, of course,” Earle said.
Earle said each of the 2,000 flags honors a veteran, a Fort Bend County first responder or a local hero who does important work in the community.
“We treasure our freedoms, and those freedoms are not free. They were paid for by the veterans, time after time after time, and really, ongoing today,” Earle said. “Our goal is to honor our veterans, honor our country, honor those people in our community who may be not in the military, but provide great services.”
On Saturday night, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land celebrated first responders with a small ceremony near the field of flags. The same will take place on Sunday for local heroes all leading up to Veterans Day on Monday.
Nicholas Landoski, a Vietnam War veteran, has a flag dedicated to him within the “Field of Honor” display. He said the recognition of his eight years of service means the world to him.
“Honored, respected, cared for, thought about,” Landoski said.
He said he wants people driving by to pay their respects to the people who did everything for their country, but also to those who are making meaningful impacts in the local community.
“People can come out here and appreciate this, enjoy it, like it, salute it, whatever. That’s what I’m hoping for,” Landoski said. “It’s just an awesome sight. It if doesn’t move you, there’s something wrong with you.”
Someone else who was moved by the display is former Texas congressman Peter Olsen. He is also a veteran and is now the Chairman of the Board for the Lone Star Flight Museum.
Olsen said the flags are a symbol of gratitude — something he values immensely.
“All we love to hear as veterans is two words: ‘Thank you,’ to you and your family for your sacrifice. These flags say that in 2,000 big ways,” Olsen said.
Each of the 2,000 is sponsored by a company or an individual. All of the proceeds will benefit local charities that the Exchange Club of Sugar Land supports during the year.
The “Field of Honor” is open to the public throughout the weekend and on Monday for Veterans Day. The display will be taken down on Tuesday.