Westerville's Memorial Day tradition continues with Field of Heroes run

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- More than 400 people gathered in Westerville on Sunday morning for the 16th annual "Field of Heroes 5K run".

Runners and walkers honored everyone who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. “There’s a whole group of people that made sacrifices that allow us to be the position that we are. We can be grateful for a moment and thankful,” said Andrew Tompkins, co-chair of 2024 Field of Heroes.

All of the participants got to cross the finish line after passing through a sea of red, white and blue with 3,000 full sized American flags on display. Participants and other community members got to dedicate them to their own personal heroes.

Tompkins served in the army for seven years. He says walking through the field is an opportunity for anyone to reflect. “Seeing all the flags in a line reminds me of my friends standing in formation,” Tompkins said.

Jeff Miller is a Westerville resident and says he’s done this race for years. “It’s very surreal when you’re running through those flags because you know each one means something to somebody,” said Miller.

Proceeds made from the race will go toward the M.A.S.H Pantry & Resource Center, a pantry reserved for veterans. “We are just trying to give back. The community wants to give back,” said Ralph Smith, the treasurer of M.A.S.H Pantry & Resource Center. “We’re so blessed to have them do this for us.”

Events honoring service members continued Sunday after the race including a reading of the names on the dedicated flags.