Coachella Valley's 'Fields of Valor' More Inclusive For 2022

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — The annual event in November that honored Coachella Valley veterans who served in the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan was reworked to be more inclusive, event organizers announced Monday.

"Fields of Valor" will take place from 9 a.m. Nov. 5 to noon Nov. 12 in Cathedral City's Patriot Park to honor all local veterans and to recognize fallen soldiers from all wars, with 1,500 flags placed at the park, according to a statement from event organizers.

"We think it's time we recognize all of our servicemen and women, regardless of where or when they have served our country," event coordinator Jo Anne Kennon said in a statement.

The Rotary Clubs of Cathedral City, for 14 years have organized the previously named "Healing Field" event honoring Coachella Valley residents who served in the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to event organizers.

This year's reworked event, "Fields of Valor," will recognize veterans of every war and those who served in between conflicts, not just in the Coachella Valley but throughout California, according to event organizers.

The park will feature sections designated to honor veterans of different conflicts and separate groupings of flags to honor fallen veterans and veterans of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. Kennon said that the names of local lost soldiers have been recorded and will be looped into a recording which will be played each day.

"Our goal is to memorialize fallen veterans while also recognizing those active servicemen and women and veterans who have returned home," Kennon said.

To help set up and remove the flags, as well as greet arriving veterans and their families, volunteers can sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4EA4AA2DA6FB6-field.