Field of Flags memorial returns for a second year in Hyde Park

Rick Pfeiffer -, Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·2 min read

May 25—For the second consecutive year, a portion of Hyde Park has been transformed into a Field of Flags.

The effort led by former Falls Council Member Kenny Tompkins seeks to honor the sacrifice of former servicemen and servicewomen from the Falls, as well as first responders from across New York, who have either been killed in American wars or in fighting the War on Terror.

"It's just a labor of love," Tompkins said of the effort.

This year, 800 American flags stretch across a more than 300-by-300-foot plot of land in Hyde Park, adjacent to the Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial. Three hundred-thirty-two flags, two more than last year, honor service members and first responders from New York who have been killed in action since 9/11.

The remaining 468 flags honor service members from Niagara Falls, killed in action since the time of the city's founding.

Tompkins said the creation of the memorial field is the work of the non-profit Hands Healing Heroes, with assistance from other community groups and what he called, "robust support" from the city.

In inspiration for the Filed of Flags came from a story that Tompkins said he saw "a long time ago on a TV show."

"I thought it was the most inspiring thing I've ever seen," the former council member said.

The concept is simple, calling for the selection of an open field and then the placement of American flags in rows. The Falls Field of Flags is larger than a football field.

Tompkins said the city of North Tonawanda staged a similar Field of Flags in a waterfront park a number of years ago. The local Field of Flags replaces the American flags that were previously placed along Pine Avenue in connection with the city's annual Memorial Day Parade.

There will not be a Memorial Day parade in the Falls this year.

"There was some interest (in a parade)" Stan Zimmerman, Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial Commission vice-chairman said. "But there didn't appear to be the groundswell you need to make one successful."

Tompkins said current plans call for all the flags to remain in place through the Fourth of July.