5th Annual Healing Field of Honor

Published on May 12, 2025

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A Fitting Tribute

For the fifth Memorial Day weekend, the Winchester Rotary Club will unite the community for its annual Healing Field of Honor event at John Handley High School. Over four days, a breathtaking display of national and service flags will provide a solemn reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made by our nation's heroes, including military veterans and first responders.

A Special Motorcycle Procession

As part of the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, May 22, veterans' motorcycle clubs and independent riders are welcome to join the Healing Fields of Honor Motorcycle Procession. Participants will gather at Skyline Harley-Davidson in Winchester at 4:00 p.m. for a brief meetup before “kickstands go up” at 4:15 p.m. The ride will last approximately an hour, concluding at James Wood Middle School on Amherst Street. There, riders will regroup before embarking on a police-escorted procession led by the Winchester Police Department motorcycle unit. The procession will leave James Wood Middle School at 5:30 p.m. and go to John Handley High School, where the Healing Field of Honor opening ceremony will officially begin.

Upon arrival, all riders will post an honorary United States of America flag in the field as a symbolic gesture of honor and remembrance.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony, which will be held on May 22 at 6:00 p.m., will feature:

  • An Honor Guard comprised of first responders from the City of Winchester and Frederick County, highlighting our tremendous local police officers and fire and rescue personnel;
  • Inspirational speakers who will share messages of remembrance and gratitude;
  • Parachutists making a dramatic entrance;
  • A C-17 military aircraft flyover, offering a stirring salute to those who have served; and
  • A “Heroes on the Hill” Veterans Exposition including booths offering services and resources for Shenandoah Valley-based veterans.

Time to Remember

For four days following the Opening Ceremony, visitors can purchase a national or military service flag (or both) in remembrance of a hero who sacrificed for their country. The event allows participants from across our country to unite to show appreciation, reflect, and unite in gratitude. On Monday, May 26, at 3:00 p.m., the Healing Field of Honor will culminate with a Closing Ceremony.

The City of Winchester supports the Healing Field of Honor event and salutes all our heroes -- including veterans, active-duty military personnel, police officers, firefighters, teachers, and all public servants (including those whose sacrifices are not always made public) -- who put serving their community first. Navy Federal Credit Union volunteers are also significantly supporting the event, with the strong support of the Credit Union.

For more information on participating in the Motorcycle Procession, please contact Jay Smith at the Rotary Club of Winchester at 540-539-6324. For all other Healing Field of Honor activities, please contact Rotary Club member Paul Frank at 240-481-3755.

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