"Field of Honor" honors service men and women Save Email Print
Akron
Posted: 11:28 PM Jul 7, 2008
Last Updated: 8:14 AM Jul 8, 2008
Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com

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An army widow is honoring her husband's sacrifice and asking the community to remember the sacrifices made by all men and women in the armed forces.

A field of 209 perfectly aligned flags waves near Akron Elementary School.

It’s a fundraiser organized by Jayme Patterson. Her husband, Sgt. Nick Patterson, died in Iraq last September.

The Rochester native was nearly done with his second tour of duty in Iraq when his 5-ton truck veered off a highway ramp and fell 40 feet.

He has now been gone longer than the couple was married, but his wife is trying to keep Nick’s sacrifice and the sacrifice of others on everybody's mind. She’s organized a “Field of Honor” to celebrate her husband’s service.

”I look at the American flag in a different way now, just after losing my husband. It’s just a nice sight. I value it more, I understand more what it means, and the sacrifice that goes into keeping our country what it is,” Patterson says.

Each flag brought in a 25-dollar donation. The proceeds will be split between the Wounded Warrior Project and the Nick Patterson Memorial Fund, which sends kids to summer sports camps.

The flags will remain in the school yard until this Saturday, at which point they'll be given to their purchasers or donated for use in Indiana classrooms.

To make a donation via the Northern Indiana Community foundation, call 574-223-2227.

Information on this fund is listed under "Field of Interest Funds" on the following website: http://www.nicf.org/fulton/funds.html.

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Posted by: Lori Location: Akron on Jul 11, 2008 at 06:48 AM
I walked through the flags the other day and read all the names on each flag. Jayme you have done a great thing for these men and women serving for our freedom. I hope you continue to do the field of honor. I know next year I would like to purchase 2 flags. If anyone has not had a chance to walk through all the flags it is a great thing. It brought tears to my eyes knowing all these men and women are fighting for our freedom. God bless you Jayme for doing this it is a great thing for our small community. God bless all the men and women serving our country and my prayers go out to all of them. I pray for all of them to come home safe. Once again thank you Jayme for doing such a great thing.

Posted by: Gina Location: Akron on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Go Jayme. Your community is proud of you for making a difference. Your son will grow up knowing his father was a great man.

Posted by: Akron resident Location: Akron on Jul 8, 2008 at 05:04 PM
I know most people have no reason to come to Akron---but now you do! This tribute is one of the most moving things I have ever seen! It is done with the utmost care and military precision. No matter what angle you view it from, every row of flags is perfectly straight. A truly incredible sight! We purchased a flag to honor a family member and we are so glad we did! THANK YOU, Jayme, and all involved for this wonderful tribute to our soldiers and veterans! I know it was a lot of hard work, but I've spoken to many in our small town that hope this becomes a yearly tradition. It is the least we can do to honor those who preserve the freedoms we so often take for granted...

Posted by: Jane Holmes ( mother of SGT. Nicholas Patterson) Location: Warsaw, IN on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Jayme - what a wonderful tribute to Nick and all the men and women of our military who have sacrificed so much for our country. Nick would be so proud of you...I know he is looking down, smiling at his wife. We are so proud of you as well.. Great job!! God Bless You and Reilley...

Posted by: A Marine Mom Location: Tippecanoe on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:10 PM
I drove by this this morning on my way to work. What a touching legacy for Nick!! Jayme, thank you for following through and honoring ALL our military.My son is currently deployed to Iraq,and I must say, our community is EXTREMELY supportive of his, and all our military persons, service.I LOVE our community. Semper Fi and God Bless

Posted by: Mother of 2 Soldiers Location: In on Jul 8, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I drove over to see the Field of Honor. It very touching and well worth going to see. Jayme this was a wonderful idea and as a mom of 2 son's that serve it was a great place to honor and thank them for their service along with all our Veteran's both those that have served and are currently serving. Job Well Done!!!

Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:32 AM
As I was watching this story this morning, tears began to well up in my eyes. All of the flags represent the brave men and women who gave their lives for us so we can live in a democratic society. I remember how I felt every time my husband deployed; will he return-will everything go ok? Then to think that they are leaving behind family and friends that love them. It makes me so angry that these brave people are losing their lives and the thugs keep on going-shooting -stealing and multiplying.

Posted by: Soldier in Iraq Location: Victory Base Complex on Jul 8, 2008 at 04:13 AM
What a wonderful gift to all soldiers past and present.... To be remembered by a grateful nation for their selfless service and for those that have paid the "ultimate price" a fitting remembrance and honor. God Bless You Jayme

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