Kiwanis Club brings Field of Honor to Black Mountain

American flag display commemorating military personnel and first responders will open on 9/11

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 6, 2023

The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain Swannanoa will introduce the inaugural Field of Honor display, Sept. 11, when up to 100 American flags will fill a field in downtown Black Mountain. Photo by Fred McCormick

A field in the heart of downtown Black Mountain will display up to 100 American flags, beginning at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, when the Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain Swannanoa hosts an opening ceremony for Field of Honor, a national initiative through the Colonial Flag Foundation.

The inaugural campaign, which allows members of the public to purchase a 3-foot-by-5-foot flag for $50, will honor past and current military personnel and first responders. The display will be featured in the field between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals through Saturday, Sept. 30.

“We have a lot of retired military, and families of people currently serving in the Swannanoa Valley,” said Cheryl Wilson, the co-chair of the project’s organizing committee. “We are also fortunate to have a great police department and fire departments here, and this is a great way to honor all of them, especially on the anniversary of 9/11.”

The money raised through the event will support the local chapter of the nonprofit organization, which was established in 1956. The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain Swannanoa collaborates with various nonprofit organizations, including the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, and provides annual scholarships for area graduates. The volunteer-led civic group has operated its Kiwanis Thrift Shop for more than 40 years.

“All of our funds stay right here in the community,” Wilson said. “So, this is really an opportunity for people to recognize those who keep us safe while helping others right here int he Valley.”

Flags will be purchased through Colonial Flag Co., according to Wilson, who is working with co-chair Renee Weaver to coordinate sponsorships for the inaugural Black Mountain Field of Honor,.

For sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase a flag, email Wilson at cherylbwilson59@gmail.com.