In November 2009, Rotary Hill was the site of a breathtaking display in honor of Veterans' Day when Naperville’s Healing Field of Honor became a community focal point. A total of 2,009 American flags stood proudly atop 8-foot tall flag poles in the 3-acre park at Rotary Hill. The flags were purchased by those in the community and beyond who wished to honor someone tagging a flag with a loved one’s name.
The Healing Field of Honor was a community fundraiser organized by the Exchange Club of Naperville in collaboration with the Naperville Park District, American Legion Post 43 and other veteran organizations. The proceeds benefited the ongoing operation of Fischer House, a “home away from home”, for families of patients receiving medical care at Hines VA Hospital.
According to the Colonial Flag Foundation’s Web site, “the Healing Field program started out as a way to commemorate the lives of those lost to us on September 11, 2001. Since the first Healing Field display in 2002, hundreds of communities across America have hosted a Healing Field or Fields of Honor to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes.” (Information taken from Naperville Park District 2009 Annual Report).
