The fourth annual Field of Honor in Chatham is back to honor local heroes

Chatham, Virginia – The Field of Honor’s fourth annual opening ceremony was held on Saturday by the Chatham Rotary Club.

“This is a wonderful project,” said Mayor of Chatham Alisa Davis. “We are able to combine community service and recognizing wonderful volunteers and people who serve our community every day.”

Each of the hundreds of flags flying outside the Old Dominion Agriculture Complex, according to Mayor Davis, commemorates a hometown hero.

“That’s volunteers, it’s the EMTs, first responders, teachers, educators, military, active and veteran . . . mothers, grandmothers,” she explained. “Anybody who serves the community can be recognized on a flag.”

For the past three years, Sgt. Paul Weishaar of the Army National Guard led the town in celebration by playing Taps during the opening ceremony.

“It’s a very humbling experience to know that I’m out there because I feel like I’m playing for each of those families,” he said. “That’s a heavy load to bear. But it’s one that I will gladly take on every opportunity that I can.”

Every year, he returns to thank people who have influenced him and to do what he loves.

“One, it’s great to get out and play. Two, to come out and support veterans and people that have come before me,” said Sgt. Weishaar. “They’re the reason why I can come and do this. If it wasn’t for their sacrifice and heroism, I wouldn’t be able to.”

The flags, which highlight the individuals that make Chatham unique, will be up until July 13th.

“This is a great opportunity to have a very visual representation of the kind of community we are,” said Mayor Davis. “Where we all work together and appreciate each other and just build one another up.”