In remembrance of the nearly 3,000 individuals who perished during the 9/11 attacks, the Exchange Club of Tempe has organized the Healing Field® tribute event to take place from Thursday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 14 at Tempe Beach Park. As reported, thousands of American flags will be placed across the park as a symbol for each victim, accompanied by a series of activities reflecting on the tragedy. The event schedule includes a flag viewing, a patriotic concert, a 5K run/walk, and a memorial ceremony.
Each year, the Healing Field event is brought to life by community volunteers who dedicate many hours to the setup and display of the flags, along with managing the weekend's events, the solemn process serves as a powerful gesture of collective remembrance. On Thursday, Sept. 11, the memorial will commence at 5:46 a.m. as volunteers gather to erect the flags, welcoming all who wish to contribute, as per the City of Tempe website.
A significant component of the tribute is the Healing Field Tribute, scheduled for 7 p.m. on the same day, featuring speakers, and a candlelight vigil to honor the lost lives. Come Saturday, Sept. 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., attendees are invited to immerse in the moving echoes of the Freedom Concert, where patriotic songs will resonate through Tempe Beach Park.
The weekend's events will come to a close with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K run/walk on Sunday, Sept. 14, starting at 7:30 a.m.; interested participants need to register beforehand. In a tradition that mirrors the emotional weight of the weekend, on Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 a.m., community members will reconvene, this time to retire the flags that they had raised in tribute.
For those unable to attend the event but wish to connect with the community's tribute, the Exchange Club of Tempe encourages people to share their personal photos from the weekend using the hashtag #HealingFieldAZ. Nick Bastian is the event contact for further information and can be reached at 602-803-6425, while Savannah Driskill handles media inquiries at 480-435-5999 or via email at [email protected].
