Visitors remember 9/11 at healing field, one week before 10 year anniversary

BRYANT, Ind. (WANE) - The Midwest American Healing Field has had a great turnout, since it opened on Friday.

The Healing Field is located east of Bryant, in Jay County. It honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, and all the service men and women who have served America since.

The memorial saw its greatest turnout yet on Sunday, with more than 300 visitors, and more are expected, leading up to the 10 year anniversary on Sunday, September 11.

Officials for the Healing Field said some visitors knew victims that were on one of the flights that were hijacked, but most people come because they have ties to someone who served the military, and fought in Iraq or Afghanistan.

“One of my best friend’s son was killed in 2009 in Iraq,” said Pat Phillips of Indianapolis.
Phillips made the trip after a friend told him and his family about the memorial.

“We hosted a motorcycle ride for him,” Phillips added, while standing next to his son, Jordan, who wants to be a fireman. “Anything about 9/11 and the soldiers being killed at war, it grabs your heart. You have to come check it out for yourself.”

“It’s just overwhelming,” said Robert McFarland of Portland. “The work the people have put into this. The way they have it laid out, with the twin towers here, and with all the flags, it’s just all inspiring.

McFarland served in the Marine Corp and fought in Vietnam.

This week the healing field will dedicate each day to a different group of first responders. Monday is National Guard day.

The World Trade Center Traveling Memorial will arrive on Thursday, September 8, and will stay the remainder of the week.

The memorial is free and open to the public.