Volunteers wrap up Healing Field after Veterans Day

Leo Gold has traveled far and wide in his lifetime.

“I’ve been all over the United States, but I’ve been all over the south Pacific also,” Gold said.

The 95-year-old World War 2 veteran spent four years in the U.S. Army.

But Sunday, you’d find him at Cathedral City’s Patriot Park, paying respects to his fallen brothers and sisters in arms.

“I’m just sorry all of the guys had to lost their lives. and the gals had lost their lives in this war,” Gold said.

Every year around Veterans Day, you’d find nearly 5,000 American flags at the Healing Field at the park. Each with nametags honoring those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan who never made it home.

“It brings back a lot of memories, a lot of fallen comrades,” Navy veteran John Noel. “I’m a veteran, so it does start a healing process. A Healing Field, I think, is a good name for it.”

Sunday, valley volunteers spent the day rolling up the flags, some calling it bittersweet.

“It’s a good thing seeing all the flags, but we have to take them down,” Eagle Scout Christopher Ramont said. “But we don’t want to leave them up.”

Like the stars and stripes, volunteers said the field’s legacy will continue on.

“Don’t be afraid to come out to the park,” Healing Field Chair Betsy Hayes said. “It’s for healing, and it’s an incredible feeling to walk in this park.”