Canadian’s tribute to this area’s servicemen and women—and to others who have honorably served their country—was brought to vivid life last week with the panoramic display of United States flags flying in solemn formation on the historic Wagon Bridge for seven days during the 2024 Independence Day celebration.

The inaugural dedication of Canadian’s Field of Honor was held here on July 4 at 2 pm. The Canadian River Wagon Bridge was lined on both sides with 500 American flags—all dedicated to or in memory of the heroes chosen by those who purchased them.

The ceremony was a simple one, attended by dozens of local celebrants. It began with a welcome by Tina Godino, who along with husband Alfred, John McGarr, Karen and Jason Bradford, Warren Rivers and Tamera Julian, were among the driving forces behind bringing the Bridge of Honor to this community. 

Singer/songwriter R.J. Vandygriff read John Wayne’s well-known poem, “America, Why I Love her,” accompanied by a train crossing the Canadian River on the tracks nearby.

A solemn rendition of “Taps” was played on trumpet by Canadian Middle School Derek Vasquez, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner,” beautifully sung by the duo of Addison L’Esperance and Carlie Renfro. American Legion Zybach Owens Post 56 Commander Jason Bradford closed the ceremony by thanking those who made it happen and all who attended. 

Rides and walks across the bridge followed, as the red, white and blue banners waved in the gentle afternoon breeze.

The Bridge of Honor event was organized by Canadian’s Post 56 members, families and friends, in partnership with the non-profit Colonial Flag Foundation’s Healing Field® and Field of Honor® flag display events—a nationwide effort intended to educate the public about these American heroes and to raise awareness of causes important to this nation’s way of life. 

It was made possible by the community’s support and involvement through countless donations, sponsorships, and volunteer hours spent assembling the flags, and installing and removing them from the bridge spans. Of special note were the CMS fifth-grade classes who came down before school was out for the summer, and helped assemble the flags.

The timing of Canadian’s Bridge of Honor event was intended to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, when North Vietnamese forces seized control of South Vietnam, and to honor those who served. 

“This turned out to be a great success,” said John McGarr. “We will certainly be doing it again next year.”

A list of the flag donors, to whom they are dedicated, and the approximate location of each flag was compiled and made available to visitors. It is available online at https://tinyurl.com/32aeea68.