The Flathead Valley Exchange Club is hosting a free Field of Honor event from May 23 to May 26 at Glacier High School. 

The weekend will officially kick off on Friday, May 23, with an opening ceremony from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the high school grounds. Matt Hegstad, owner of Patriotic American Brewery, with his wife Josie, will be the guest speaker. Hegstad is a US Army combat vet and a veteran of law enforcement.  

The event will include opening and closing prayers, color guard, "The Star-Spangled Banner," an overview of the event, a speech, acknowledgment of distinguished guests and sponsors and will close with the playing of "Taps."  

The free Kalispell Field of Honor includes a display of 1,000 American Flags. Community members may dedicate a flag to a hero of their choice, living or deceased.  

The fully lit field will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. over the weekend, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Memorial Day.  

Net proceeds will be primarily provided to local veteran non-profit organizations. In the past, the event has provided funding to many veteran groups including NW Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry, Veteran Community Response, Vietnam Veterans of America NW Chapter 1087 and Montana Veterans Home Memorial Foundation.  

The Field of Honor and Healing Field events are held nationwide and are programs of the Colonial Flag Foundation. The Colonial Flag Foundation established the Healing Field after September 11th, 2001, as a way to commemorate those who were lost. Hundreds of communities across America have since hosted a Healing Field or Field of Honor to raise money and awareness for various charitable causes.  

The Flathead Valley Exchange Club is the local chapter of the National Exchange Club. There are 630 chapters nationwide, all with the mission to focus on helping community nonprofits in the areas of Americanism, Community Service and Youth Programs.  

Event information can be found at healingfield.org/event/kalispell-mt/. In addition, flag dedications and sponsorships can be made via that website.