There’s
a long list of concerns that divide Americans: social, moral, race, religion,
ethnicity and of course the ubiquitous, fratricidal political campaigns that
seem to reach new levels of ferociousness every election cycle. The impulse of me against you and us versus
them is enormously galvanizing and has the potential, if fully realized, to
take us in dangerous directions.
Yet,
in the midst of all of the chaos of stark differences and dark divisions, the American
flag is the one iconic emblem that has the power to reach deep inside of us and
touch a common, primal nerve of pride and patriotism – unleashing emotions of profound
attachment to it. In times of victory -
Iwo Jima for instance, and of loss – think of Ground Zero in New York City, the
flag serves as our focus for unity.
As
we celebrate Memorial Day weekend here at Arlington, we simply couldn’t think
of a better way to pay tribute to pay tribute to our loved-ones, living or
deceased, military or civilian, than with an American flag erected to honor
them and recognize the importance “that special someone” is playing or has
played in our life.
The
Field of Memories is a gift to the community and we commend it to the people of
the community this Memorial Day weekend with the belief that those who visit
the field will find it as memorable, meaningful as awe inspiring as we do.
A
special thanks goes out to our sponsors who helped underwrite this event. Our sponsors are:
- AlvisMaterials
- Cintas
- EagleInspiration
- SchmidtHeating & Cooling
- Osterwisch Company
- The PaulYoung Funeral Home
- UnitedParcel Service
Daniel Applegate became part of The Arlington Memorial Gardens organization in 2001 and has worked in the cemetery industry since 1981, including serving as Secretary/Treasurer and then as President of the Ohio state cemetery association. He was appointed by Ohio Governor George Voinovich and served two terms on the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission, Ohio's cemetery oversight agency. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
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