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Today, the nation and the world paused to remember the moments marked in history on Sept. 11. People here in Utah are remembering 9/11 as well.
Each year the Healing Field Foundation displays hundreds of flags in Sandy to commemorate those killed. And this year they will also be honoring local heroes as well.
The Healing Field at 10000 S. Centennial Parkway (150 West) was the very first Healing Field in the country. Now there are over 200 across the country, including one at the Pentagon for the first time.
Here today, there are 1,776 Flags -- 60 of them have the name of a Utah soldier who was killed. Each yellow bow represents a Utah soldier killed while serving since 9/11.
This morning visitors walk through the 1,776 flags on display at the Healing Field remembering what each flag represents. Teacher Donelle Dickie said, "It's absolutely overwhelming, looking at the sacrifice that others have made so I can be here today and have this freedom to enjoy this beautiful experience."
For the last seven years Marla Call has brought her two boys to the Healing Field hoping to teach them the significance of this day. She said, "We come every single year, we just talk about what happened on that day and talk about all those wonderful men and women that have helped our country."
This year's theme is Milestones of Freedom, and several groups of students listened while being taught about those milestones. They also took a moment to remember where they were seven years ago today. Student Clarissa Johnson said, "I remember we were driving when it happened. It was scary."
Maj. Jeff Jacobson, of the 96th Regional Readiness Command, also remembered the fear and anger of 9/11. He was serving during that time. He said, "You don't want to continue to dwell on those feelings, you want to celebrate those lives and remember."
Now Maj. Jacobson is helping others remember and encouraging them to volunteer in their communities. "Just take every moment of everyday and appreciate life more fully, and take a moment out to serve your fellow man one way or another," Jacobson said.
Last night local scout troops joined in to set up this year's display. Many of them felt helping was one way they could show their appreciation for those who are have served.
One scout, Jeff Crosby, said, "Those who have died in the war have really served us to get where our nation is and to protect us all so we can have freedom and justice in the United States of America."
The Healing Field will be open until Sept. 15. Tonight there will be a ceremony for the Army Reserve celebrating their 100-year anniversary.
E-mail: spark@ksl.com
