Community leaders in Prescott Valley have expanded Patriot Week celebratory events early September to honor those who have died in service to the state and nation.
Six years ago, Town Councilwoman Mary Mallory spearheaded the effort to create a “Healing Field” of American flags to commemorate the 3,000 people who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States.
Since then, the greater community has rallied behind that celebration to the point that it now is considered Patriot Week.
Thousands of Quad Cities residents and hundreds from out of town are expected to participate during the Patriot Week celebrations beginning Saturday, Sept. 7.
The Prescott Valley Civic Center at 7501 E. Civic Circle will be a focal point. More than 3,000 American flags will be planted on the Civic Center lawns. Each flagpole will bear information about victims of the attack.
Included in the Healing Field are flags honoring the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill fire on June 30, 2013.
At 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, youth choirs from the Humboldt Unified School District will perform at the semi-enclosed stage just south of the Civic Center.
On Tuesday, Sept. 11, a memorial service is planned at the same location.
At 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 12, trumpeter Jessie McGuire will be featured in another patriotic concert.
Town of Prescott Valley Spokeswoman Heidi Dams Foster said that if weather interferes with any of the outdoor performances, they would be moved to the library immediately adjacent to the Civic Center.
Several other activities are being planned, including a Patriot Run and a Patriotic Youth Contest.
“We are genuinely proud of our community and those who have taken on the Healing Field project,” said Prescott Valley Town Manager Larry Tarkowski. “It has become a source of pride, and credit must be given Mary Mallory for its birth. Her dedicated efforts in approaching the community have resulted in overwhelming response for this patriotic endeavor. “
Tarkowski also complimented the hundreds of people who have contributed financially or volunteered to help with various events during the week. He further noted that this year is the 40th anniversary of the founding of Prescott Valley.
“I am impressed that every year, our town demonstrates its support for something that is truly important in American lives.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
More information about Patriot Week and 40th anniversary events is available at pvaz.net or by calling 928-759-3090.
Photo by Ray Newton
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