Field of Honor in Murrieta offers praise to veterans and first-responders

Against a light warm breeze and clear blue skies, over 900 American flags were gently blowing in Murrieta’s Town Square Park on Sunday, marking the first official day of the Field of Honor display there.

The inaugural Field of Honor, which runs Nov. 8 - 14 and is expected to grow to a display of 1,200 U.S. flags, pays tribute to those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces, law enforcement, as firefighters or other first responders.

The Field of Honor is hosted by the Rotary Club in partnership with the City of Murrieta. The flags on display have been sponsored by families of those who have served or are currently serving. Proceeds from flag sponsorships benefit the city’s Veterans Memorial project and local non-profit organizations.

Sunday afternoon’s Field of Honor kickoff event brought out Murrieta police and fire departments, paramedics, local dignitaries, elected government officials and community members to honor the city’s first responders.

Standing at a podium, flanked by the more than 900 U.S. flags — as well as four stationary flagpoles that flew at half mast in honor of victims of this week’s Fort Hood massacre — Murrieta Mayor Gary Thomasian told an audience of about 100 that all first responders are worthy of recognition.

“We are continually inspired by the heroics of our first responders,” he said.

The mayor said the Field of Honor is dedicated “to all those who hold a special place in our memory.”

Two first responders who hold an indelible spot in the collective memory of Murrieta residents are Murrieta Fire Chief Phil Armentrout, who lost his battle with cancer in 2005, and Murrieta Fire Capt. Matt Moore, who died in 2008 after suffering from a rare brain infection.

Murrieta Fire Chief Paul Christman addressed the Field of Honor audience and paid special tribute to Chief Armentrout and Captain Moore.

“We lost Phil in 2005, and then had to relive the agony of laying Captain Moore to rest,” he said.

Chief Christman also thanked those who currently serve.

“They really don’t think of themselves as heros,” Chief Christman said of firefighters. “They just want the challenge of saving a life, of saving a structure.”

The chief said firefighters put their lives on the line daily in order to save others, and the consequences can be dire.  In 2008, 103 firefighters across the nation lost their lives in the line of duty. The emotional toll of losing a coworker, Chief Christman said, is devastating.

“Line of duty death is very traumatic,” he said.

Murrieta Police Chief Mark Wright also addressed the audience and received a rousing applause.

“These men and women represent the finest in American spirit,” Chief Wright said of police officers across the country. “They proudly serve their communities.”

Chief Wright also paid special tribute to those officers killed in the line of duty. So far, during 2009, 109 officers across the nation have lost their lives in the line of duty; eight of them were California officers.

“We must never retreat from honoring these officers,” Chief Wright said.

Throughout the week, the Field of Honor will be the site of several special tributes. For a complete schedule, visit www.murrietarotary.org.

Toni McAllister is SWRNN’s lifestyles editor. You can e-mail her at toni.mcallister@yahoo.com.

Tags: Field of Honor, Murrieta, Murrieta Fire Capt. Matt Moore, Murrieta Fire Chief Paul Christman, Murrieta Fire Chief Phil Armentrout, Murrieta Mayor Gary Thomasian, Murrieta Police Chief Mark Wright, Murrieta's Town Square Park, SWRNN, Toni McAllister

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