For the past decade, members of the Community Foundation of Orange (CFO) have put their hearts into raising funds for veterans by hosting the annual Field of Valor in Orange’s Handy Park.     Held each year during Veterans Day week, the event began when CFO Board Member Gary Remland was inspired by a similar event organized by a friend in another town during Memorial Day.

“The timing on this was perfect in that my friend Wayne was doing the same event in their city,” says Remland.  “After attending, I presented it as an opportunity for the Community Foundation of Orange to duplicate.”

At the time Remland came to the Foundation with the idea, they were looking for opportunities to help the underserved in the Orange community.  He hoped for an ambitious deadline for organizing the inagural event.

“Gary came to us after attending the event in May and asked if we could do the same by November,” says Susie Cunningham, Executive Director for the Community Foundation of Orange.  “The board looked at him like he had three heads, but said let’s do this.”

Despite their initial reaction, the board scrambled, pulling together all of their resources, purchasing flags and gaining a variety of sponsors.  The first event was a hit, and 10 years later, the Field of Valor is still going strong.

“The community responded with such support.  The event caught this wave of momentum that we are still riding,” Remland says.  “We literally have a waiting list for people who want to volunteer.”

Over the years, the Foundation has seen hundreds of veterans and their families connect and heal in a variety of ways thanks to the event.  As the son and nephew of WWII veterans, Remland says that’s the whole point.

“It seems like each year has its powerful moments,” says Remland.  “Last year we honored our Vietnam Veterans.  One man who served there for four years attended.  We had a guest speaker from Vietnam who shared how she would have never had the opportunity to live a free life in the United States without our soldiers being there.  That testimony changed the soldier’s entire viewpoint on his time served.”

According to Remland, until that moment, the man hadn’t thought his service mattered because of how those who served in the Armed Forces were treated when they returned to the States.

“He cried and told me for the last 50 years he did not understand what impact they had and the lives they saved.  It really was so beautiful to see this man believe for the first time in 50 years that what he did really mattered.”     His sister, Judy Remland, has been helping the CFO since the event started.  She has also enjoyed seeing the benefits the Field brings to the veterans and their families.

“One of the things I don’t think any of us anticipated was that a lot of these guys who don’t want to talk about their experiences start talking,” says Judy.  “The tears flow.  Then come the hugs and the laughs.  They have a camaraderie about what they went through, and they don’t want to talk to anybody else but each other about those experiences.  They walk out of there feeling better.  It’s a wonderful thing.”

This year’s opening day will feature a Civil War era band, Condor Squadron vintage plane flyover and challenge coins for all veterans in attendance.

“The opening day is so powerful and meaningful.  It sets the tone for the week,” says Gary.  “All who have served our country in the Armed Forces have a special place in my heart for their service and sacrifice.  This event is a great way to remember them and thank them and their families.  Hearing thank you means so much to them.  That makes my heart happy!”

The Field of Valor opens Saturday, November 9, with opening ceremonies beginning at 14:30 (2:30 pm) at Handy Park, 2143 East Oakmont Ave, Orange.  All proceeds donated to local veterans benefit programs.  Sponsors may contact the Community Foundation of Orange at 714-288-9909.