Field Origins: The Colonial Flag Foundation

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     The Colonial Flag Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity whose programs focus on raising awareness for important causes and organizations while also generating funds for local charities. The program began as a way to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Since the first Healing Field display in 2002, hundreds of communities across America have hosted Healing Fields or Fields of Honor to raise funds and awareness for various important causes. Paul Swenson, the founder and creator of the program, recognized the potential of these memorial events to help heal the nation. During the inaugural event in 2002, Paul dedicated his resources and energy to establishing a foundation aimed at assisting other communities in their healing journeys. 

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A Field Sighted: Betsy & Bob Hobbs Take a Magical Rotary Trip

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     Bob Hobbs is a Merced Sunrise legend. Like all Rotarians, Betsy & Bob were on the move in June 2012 - traveling across South East Asia on way to the Rotary International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand. While touring Vietnam, Betsy & Bob encounter Carole & Frank Donahoe and Gretchen & Bob Bryant - all from the Rotary Club of Murrieta, California. In short order and in good Rotarian spirit all shared their Club's projects. As co-chairs and officers, Frank & Bob shared their incredible fortune with Murrieta hosting the first-ever Field of Honor in California for the last few years. Betsy & Bob, knowing Merced's deep military history with Castle AFB immediately saw the potential to foster a Field of Honor in Merced County. By November 2012, Betsy & Bob were generously hosted by Murrieta Rotary and saw first-hand the impact and beauty of the Field - their own 2012 flags flying high! Upon return, Bob directed the Club prepare for its own Field for 2013. Merced Sunrise had no place, no sponsors, no money, no idea what to do next - just Bob's knowledge that the Field was "the right thing to do." That's what we call "Rotary Magic" - sometimes it takes a round-the-world trip to magically encounter another Rotarian to unexpectedly show you the way forward. We still hold our profound thanks to Betsy, Bob and the Rotary Club of Murrieta for bringing the Field to Merced.

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Merced Field of Honor: Merced Sunrise Rotary Club Charity

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     The Merced Field of Honor began "veterans week" in November 2013 as the first such monument in the San Joaquin Valley. As a federally designated Veterans Day Observance Site, the Field honors regional veterans, active duty military, and first responders who exemplify Rotary's motto SERVICE ABOVE SELF by preserving our Republic's safety and freedoms.  Starting with 1,000 flags, the Field grows in size and complexity each year with the grassroots support of Merced County communities and important regional sponsors.  The 2024 Field flew 2024 flags. The Merced Field of Honor is a program of the Colonial Flag Foundation and exclusively purchases American made flags through them. Any monies raised during the Field in excess of the event's expenses are dedicated to regional veteran, active duty military and first responder projects through an Application to Merced Sunrise Rotary Club Charity, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

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Need More? Contact Us.

     

     The Field is located at Merced College, 3600 Veterans Blvd, Merced, California. Our Club website is here; MERCED SUNRISE ROTARY. Other inquires may be directed to Darrell Cherf, 2025 Merced Field of Honor Chairperson at vballcherf@gmail.com.