Nearly 3,000 American flags are standing in ordered rows across Tempe Beach Park this weekend as the annual Healing Field tribute marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Presented by the Exchange Club of Tempe, the memorial will remain on display through Sunday, Sept. 13, with a candlelight vigil, patriotic concert and 5K among the remaining events.
Each flag represents one of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks, transforming the park into a powerful tribute to the individual lives lost. Community volunteers dedicate hundreds of hours each year to preparing, assembling and placing the flags.
The Tempe Healing Field first appeared in 2005 and has since become an annual community tradition. The victims’ names are read as part of the observance each year, reinforcing the memorial’s focus on the people behind the scale of the tragedy.
Remaining events include:
- Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m.: Candlelight vigil featuring a ceremony and speakers. Candles will be placed at the base of the flags.
- Saturday, Sept. 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Freedom Concert featuring patriotic music in the park.
- Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 a.m.: Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K run/walk at Tempe Beach Park. Registration is required
- Monday, Sept. 14, at 6 a.m.: Volunteers will gather to take down the flags. The public is welcome to help.
The Healing Field is free to visit. Public parking is generally unavailable in the Tempe Beach Park lot during organized events, so visitors should allow additional time to park in downtown Tempe or use public transportation.
