By Isaac Sims-Foster, intern

The Glendale Sunrise Rotary Club launched its Memorial Day event, the Field of Honor and Gratitude, on May 25 at Forest Lawn Glendale. Just past the Forest Lawn entrance visitors were greeted with an expanse of grass larger than a football field covered in rows of tall American flags. The flags stood until May 29, the day after Memorial Day. Each flag represented a specific person – veteran, law enforcement officer or firefighter – currently serving in active duty or who lost their life in service.

An organization composed of Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, and 35,000-plus clubs like Glendale Sunrise, is “a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves” according to its website. With this goal in mind, The Glendale Sunrise Rotary encouraged donors to sponsor a flag on this field for $50 in tribute to Memorial Day.

The Field of Honor was christened with an opening ceremony, at which a myriad of veterans, officers, club members and donors listened to songs and speeches recognizing the flags behind them and what they stood for.

A program began after a presentation by the Glendale Police Dept. color guard.

“We’re thankful that we can be a part of your celebration of the important places that these people hold in your hearts and in your lives as mentors, friends, partners, and loved ones,” said Glendale Sunrise President Nina Crowe, who opened the event. She went on to introduce the several elected officials in attendance, including representatives of members of

Congress, California State Senate and Glendale City Council. Also among the speakers was Glendale Community College President David Viar. Glendale City Mayor Zareh Sinanyan also gave remarks on the importance of the occasion.

“I think every opportunity we have to remind our populace, our residents, of the service and sacrifice of the men and women in our armed forces throughout our history is very, very important,” said Sinanyan. “This is one such opportunity. I think all of us must be very cognizant of the sacrifices that were made and think, ‘How do we contribute to honoring that memory?’ Not only on Memorial Day, but honoring them every day in our actions, in our thoughts.”

  Isaac Sims-Foster