North Andover, Andover Students Still Can Submit Patriotic Poems

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — Students from North Andover, Andover and Lawrence still can submit patriotic poems for the fifth Field of Honor commemoration that begins later this month.

The deadline for poem submission is 5 p.m. on Monday, May 15, for the commemoration sponsored by the Exchange Club of Lawrence and the Andovers.

From May 27 to June 17 — just before Memorial Day to just after Flag Day —the Field of Honor will feature 500 American flags on the North Andover Common. The poems also will be displayed at the site.

According to organizers, the poems should be 250 words or less and be about the flag, the Field of Honor or those who have nobly served.

A panel will select some of the poems to be read by the author at the Close-of-Field ceremonies at 10 a.m. on June 17 on the North Andover Common.

Details about how to submit the poem are available online. Poems should be titled and students should include their name, school, age, teacher and email address with their submission.

Residents also have an opportunity to purchase flags for the Field of Honor, which can be dedicated to veterans, first responders, public servants, teachers or other VIP's, according to organizers.

Flags cost $49 and can be purchased online. The flag will include a tag with the honoree's name and a message about that honoree. After the event, those who have purchased flags can keep the flag, tag and pole in order to display at their home.

Proceeds from the flag purchases will go to assist veterans, provide scholarships, be used for the recognition of Youth and Unsung Heroes awards, and help to prevent child abuse through the Michael B. Christensen Family Support Center.