RELEASE NUMBER: 140512-05
DATE POSTED: MAY 12, 2014
Flags fly in honor of all who serve
by Cheryle Rivas
USASOC Public Affairs
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (USASOC News Service, May 12, 2014) - In a show of pride and patriotism, members of the Fort Bragg and Fayetteville community gathered May 10, for the 2014 North Carolina Field of Honor at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville.
More than 900 U.S. flags waved in the background as Fayetteville City Mayor Nat Robertson welcomed the crowd of more than 150 attendees.
Brig. Gen. Kurt Sonntag, deputy commanding general for U.S. Army Special Operations Command, offered remarks during the ceremony.
“These hundreds of flags represent honor, duty and respect," he said. "It is a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans and a community that comes together to honor their military.”
During the ceremony, 10 flags were dedicated and placed in honor or in memory of a military service member. One was placed in memory of Fayetteville native and Medal of Honor recipient Rudy Hernandez and two were USASOC honorees. Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), who selflessly gave his life to save fellow Soldiers and family members when their parade float was hit by a train during a Veteran’s Day parade in Texas; and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Hester “Hoopy” Qualls, a USASOC civil service employee, who acted swiftly to set up a command center immediately following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, accounting for all military members who participated in the run.
The event was an opportunity for the community to join together and honor its military – those who are currently serving, those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of security and freedom.
“Each flag displayed today tells a story – as you walk among these American flags, listen for the stories that each flag tells," Brig. Gen. Sonntag said. "This field offers hope, comfort and healing – it represents the men and women who bravely served our country.”
The Field of Honor will be on display at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum through June 28.