27-05-2025
‘Heartwarming': Annual ‘Healing Field' in Murfreesboro honors veterans who have passed away
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Among the countless Memorial Day events across Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro concluded a weekend of remembrance at their 16th annual 'Healing Field.'
Organized by a local nonprofit, Freedom Trail Foundation of TN, 504 American flags were set-up this year. Of those, around 350 of them were dedicated to veterans lost in battle or those who served our country and have since passed away.
'I have two brothers who served in the service. Some brother-in-laws and close friends, so yes, this is very heartwarming. It's really something,' said Navy veteran David Korn.
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Korn's brothers did not die while in service, but he still got emotional talking about their sacrifices while in uniform. He brought his grandkids with him to honor the heroes we've lost.
'If you take any one person here and read their life story, it's heart wrenching. I think a lot of people don't realize that, you know, it's just 'oh wow, it's another day off for us!'' said Korn.
The Freedom Trail Foundation added nearly 100 flags to their display in 2025, while also adding a unique history lesson for their visitors.
'It's the history of the American flag, from the Grand Union all the way to the current day 50-star flag. As you go along the trail, there's a sign telling the story of each flag,' explained Event Chair Tracey Kennedy.
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Kennedy called the field 'breathtaking;' a view she never gets tired of. As intended, it's also a weekend filled with emotional reflection.
'I've cried a few times this weekend. We have a lot of people come through and tell us the stories of their parents and grandparents, sometimes it's their sons and daughters,' said Kennedy. 'There are some out here that are Missing in Action (MIA), and those probably stand out to me the most; to know they never got to come home.'
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Every person who pays to sponsor a flag is able to keep it. Kennedy said people typically frame and hang their dedicated flag inside their homes.
The money paid for each flag is ultimately pumped back into funding and growing the 3-day memorial service, according to Kennedy, plus the other work of their nonprofit.
Eventually, the goal is to grow the 'Healing Field' to 1,000 flags.
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