President of the Kiwanis Club of East Fork Region Dan Ottke gave remarks on Nov. 2, 2024, as part of the Fields of Honor ceremonies.
The ceremonies on Nov. 2, 2024, took place amid fields filled with beautiful American flags, each in honor of an active service member, a veteran, or a first responder. The Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, Space Force, Air Force, and Army flags were also on display.
On Nov. 2, four Fields of Honor ceremonies in four different locations took place in Clermont County.
The ceremonies took place amid fields filled with beautiful American flags, each in honor of an active service member, a veteran, or a first responder. The Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, Space Force, Air Force, and Army flags were also on display.
This is the fourth year for this event.
The ceremonies included marching bands, pastor invocations, the Pledge of Allegiance, sponsor remarks, keynote speakers, the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” and ended with the bugle call taps. In attendance were county commissioners, mayors, police, firefighters, and members of the public.
President of Kiwanis Club of East Fork Region Dan Ottke said, “The United States flag is one of the strongest representations of freedom and hope, and is a reminder of the sacrifices made by American veterans throughout the 248 years the United States has been in existence. The flag is a source of respect for those who have served in the past and those who are currently serving.”
Fields of Honor Project Coordinator Bob Raub said the flags will stay up in the four locations throughout the month of November. The locations are the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, Williamsburg’s former old high school, Bethel-Tate Middle School, and West Clermont High School.
Raub said he hopes that the visual of driving by the flags helps spur conversations between folks, especially with youth; seeing the flags can lead to questions about why are these flags there, and thus provide an opportunity to learn more about our nation’s history and about our freedoms.
Raub says every time he pushes a flagpole into the ground in the Fields of Honor, he is “planting a seed of patriotism.” He is the Johnny Appleseed of American patriotism.
At each Field of Honor site, there are forms for those interested in dedicating a flag to honor, or in memory, of a service member, veteran, or first responder. All are welcome and encouraged to take a walk around the flags and maybe as Raub says, you may sense a tingle of patriotism down your spine as you experience appreciation for the land of the free because of the brave. For more information, visit www.eastforkkiwanis.org or call Judy Raub, the Secretary at 513-735-9171.
The Kiwanis Club of East Fork Region meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Grammas Pizza in Batavia. All are welcome to attend.