Over one thousand flags stood overlooking Handy Park in Orange, the only sound of quiet footsteps and the rustling of fabric as the flags waved in the breeze. This year, the Field of Valor celebrated its 10th anniversary as a beloved Orange tradition.
The Field of Valor is a multi-day event held during the week of Veterans Day that honors all the veterans and active duty military personnel for their sacrifices to our nation. Organized by the Community Foundation of Orange, this event draws thousands of visitors and relies on hundreds of volunteers working year-round. This year, The Field of Valor displayed over 1,700 flags, each dedicated in tribute to a friend or family member who served.
For Seven Gables agents and Community Foundation of Orange Board Members Lisa Blanc and Doug Willits, this event is a labor of love.
Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Doug Willits moved to California in 1960 to attend Chapman University.
“I was in the United States Air Force for four years from 1964 to 1968 and stationed at Strategic Air Command bases in North Dakota and Labrador, Canada,” said Doug.
Doug has worked in Orange with Seven Gables Real Estate for over 10 years. For more than 15 years, Doug has been a board member of the Community Foundation of Orange and has helped organize the Field of Valor every year since its inception.
Lisa Blanc, a Realtor with 25 years of experience and a Seven Gables agent for the past 8 years, has lived and worked her whole life in the City of Orange. She joined the CFOO board in 2002 and has been helping plan the event each year.
“My father was in the Navy and served in the Korean War. I have always had respect and appreciation for those who have served to protect our freedom,” said Lisa.
Lisa, Doug, and the rest of the committee members and volunteers work all year long to plan and organize this event. This year, more than 350 volunteers dedicated their time to preparing tribute flags, cutting and pressing the ribbons, inspecting the flags, marking the field, and organizing the opening ceremonies. Each dedicated flag contained a laminated card with the veteran’s information and photo, as well as ribbons indicating their level of service.
This year included a range of special activities, such as the celebration of the Marine Corps’ birthday, a flyover from the Condor Squadron, and a special Veteran’s Day Celebration. Throughout the week, local elementary schools visited the park to learn about the flag and what the field represents.
As a non-profit, the Community Foundation of Orange relies on the generous donations and tireless efforts of volunteers to make the Field of Valor a reality each year. From board members like Lisa and Doug to the hundreds of volunteers who assist with everything from flag preparation to event coordination, the community’s involvement is crucial to the success of this meaningful tribute.
“The takeaway for attendees is that they have a sincere appreciation for those that served, and for the many that gave up their lives for their freedom,” Doug said.
On any given day, the field was filled with residents walking through the rows of flags, pausing to read the stories and view the photos of the veterans who served.
“Freedom is not free, and the brave men and women that have served our country need to be honored each and every year,” Lisa said.
