Findlay, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2004 – More than 4,200 flags will fly at UF’s Russ and Peg Armstrong Athletic Complex Sept. 9-12 in the Findlay Healing Field™ Flag Memorial display.

The field, presented by the Exchange Club of Findlay, Ohio, and sponsored by UF, Marathon Ashland Petroleum and Lowe’s, will honor people who gave their lives for their countries and those who are currently serving their countries in the military and in first responder fields.

“The University of Findlay is pleased to participate and to provide this lovely site for the benefit of recognizing and memorializing those who have sacrificed so much,” University President DeBow Freed, Ph.D., said at an Aug. 12 press conference announcing the Healing Field™.

The field will feature four sections – a coalition soldiers field in which a flag will represent each of the soldiers from any country who were killed in the war on terror, a section honoring active military, a field recognizing area veterans and a section for first responders.

“We have been especially blessed in that, throughout our history, individuals rose to the occasion, even if that meant giving their lives,” President Freed said. “This Healing Field today reflects that same commitment, service, willingness and sacrifice.”

Area people may purchase the flags that will fly in the Healing Field™. These flags will be personalized with a ribbon identifying the name of the person the flag represents. Those who buy the flags may take them home when the display is dismantled.

Flag pledge forms are available at the UF bookstore or online at www.healingfield.org/findlay. American flags are $30, and foreign flags are $45.

The field will be open 24 hours a day Sept. 9-12. Admission is free.

The first Healing Field™ was displayed in Utah in 2002 as a memorial to those people killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Findlay’s Healing Field™ will be the only one to take place in Ohio this year.

The University of Findlay is a comprehensive university located in Findlay, Ohio, about 45 miles south of Toledo. With a total enrollment of 4,711 full-time and part-time students, The University of Findlay is noted for its innovative, career-oriented programs in more than 60 majors and eight master’s degrees.