The Healing Field display in Tempe features 3,000 U.S. flags at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (Photo by Jacqueline Padilla/Cronkite News)
TEMPE – Rows of red, white and blue fill Tempe Beach Park to honor those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.
The National Exchange Club set up the Healing Field Flag Display near Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway to honor the victims of the attack and their families. Members of the U.S. Marines and Army, along with volunteers, came together to set up nearly 3,000 flags.
Each flag has a card, with the name of a victim, along with a brief background of their life.
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“It really puts into perspective as to what actually happened, how big of a tragedy this really was,” volunteer Shawn Chambers said.
This marks the 12th year the organization has set up the display.
Mike Clark, a member of the Exchange Club, said each year, the turnout increases.
“We want to bring this up to the forefront every year … and once this is up, we get more people every year coming out,” Clark said.
Visitors can walk through the rows and pay tribute until Sept. 15.