Stroll Through More Than 3,000 Flags To Remember 9/11 At The Utah Healing Field 9/11 Memorial
By Catherine Armstrong|Published September 11, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
September 11, 2001 started like any other day for most Utahns. As we went about getting ready for work, eating breakfast, and starting our commute, we began to hear stories that a plane had hit a building in New York City. Soon enough, the reality of the attack on our country was evident. For every American, everything changed on 9/11.
There’s an amazing memorial to the victims and heroes of 9/11 right here in Sandy. Visit the 18th Annual Utah Healing Field on this day of remembrance.
Have you ever seen 3,000 American flags all at once? It's an awe-inspiring sight. The Colonial Flag Foundation presents the 18th annual Utah Healing Field on the Sandy City Promenade, and you need to visit.
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Address: 10000 Centennial Parkway, Sandy, UT 84070
2,763 people lost their lives in New York City on 9/11; 184 people were killed at the Pentagon, and the 40 people aboard Flight 93 died when the plane crashed in Shanksville, PA.
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Stop by to stroll through these flags. Each represents a victim of 9/11.
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Each flagpole has a card attached to it that has the name and age of a person who died that day, along with their location and a little bit of information about them.
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Every story is unique. Some were upper-management at huge companies; others were retirees on a flight to visit grandchildren. Some died after rushing into a building to save others; some were sitting at their desks in offices, and some were playing with blocks at daycare. One man loved to kayak, a woman volunteered in her community. One left behind a wife and four children, another was a three-year-old child. Every story is unique, just as every person lost that day was an individual who was loved and has been missed every day since September, 2001.
Flags representing the service dogs who assisted at ground zero also stand as part of this memorial.
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Some of these hero dogs arrived on scene at Ground Zero just minutes after the attack; others flew in with their handlers to assist in recovery efforts.
Since 9/11, more than 2,600 rescue workers who spent days and weeks at Ground Zero have become sick as a result of their service, due to "exposure to toxins."
Many are fighting for their lives with various forms of cancer and other illnesses, and some have already succumbed and are remembered with their own flags.
Cross the street to the Sandy City Hall, where you'll find the "Hope Rising- To Lift A Nation" bronze statue.
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Thomas E. Franklin captured the scene of the three firefighters who raised the flag at Ground Zero, and it's depicted in this monument created by Stan Watts.
In front of the City Hall, you'll find flags the honor Utah's fallen heroes, who have died since 2001.
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The fallen include those in the armed forces who have lost their lives, as well as Utah police officers and firefighters.
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The Utah Freedom Memorial honors Utah military from all branches, and remembers those who have lost their lives in the service of their country.
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Join others at the Utah Healing Field on September 11, 2019, for a program at 7 p.m.
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The program includes the presentation of colors, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, speakers, music, and more.
Stop by the information booth to learn more about the annual Utah Healing Field and the Colonial Flag Foundation, and this year's benefitting charity, Honor365.
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Honor365 honors and recognizes veterans, and provides assistance with employment, education, healthcare, and housing. Its mission is to end veteran suicides.
The flags come down on the evening of September 12th, so you'll want to plan your visit for today or tomorrow.
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Bring some tissue along - a visit to this memorial is an emotional experience.
Have you visited the Utah Healing Field 9/11 Memorial in past years? Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Make sure to visit the Utah Healing Field page on the Colonial Flag Foundation’s website to learn more about this annual event. You’ll also want to check out the Honor365 website to learn more about this incredible organization that serves Utah’s veterans and first responders.
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