Field of Flags honors veterans at New Bern’s Union Point Park

NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) — Hundreds of American flags stand along the waterfront at Union Point Park ahead of Veterans Day, each bearing the name of someone who served.

Organizers say this year’s Field of Flags recognizes about 800 veterans, including 77 killed in the Vietnam War. Their names are marked with gold tags.

“It’s our way of honoring veterans and their families and all the loved ones that we can cherish,” said Ashley Silvia, president of Student Veteran Affairs.

Bruce Van Apeldoorne, a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, said the flags offer a way to remember those who are no longer here.

“I think every American, I hope, sees the flag, realizes that it’s a symbol of freedom, but it had a high price,” Van Apeldoorne said. “And for those that are not with us to celebrate it today, I sorely miss them, and I think about them all the time.”

The field began in 2017 with an idea from the late Dobert Owsley of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 886. Craven Community College’s Student Veterans Association now hosts the display, carrying the tradition forward.

Richard Miller, a member of Chapter 886, said the field gives people a chance to share stories about the veterans they honor.

“It’s a wonderful thing of honor. It’s not a sad occasion; it’s an honor occasion,” Miller said.

Organizers say the names are arranged alphabetically to help families find their loved ones. The college plans to use donations from the field to develop a scholarship fund for student veterans.