Healing Field: Observing 9/11 in Tempe
Category EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Each September, Tempe Beach Park becomes home to one of the most moving traditions in Downtown Tempe.
From September 10–13, the Exchange Club of Tempe will once again fill the park with nearly 3,000 American flags for the annual Tempe Healing Field®, honoring each life lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
This year carries even greater significance as our community comes together to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11.
Nearly 3,000 Flags. Nearly 3,000 Stories.
Tempe Beach Park is no stranger to bringing people together. Throughout the year, it's a place for festivals, community events, days along Tempe Town Lake and some of Downtown Tempe's biggest traditions.
During the Healing Field®, it takes on an entirely different feeling.
Seeing thousands of flags stretching across the park is something photos can't quite capture. Each flag represents an individual life, and the details throughout the field give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the people behind the names.
Bio cards are placed on the flagpoles, while special markers recognize first responders, children and military veterans. A small Arizona flag marks the flag of Gary Eugene Bird, the only Arizona resident who lost his life in the attacks.
Together, these details turn the scale of the memorial into something much more personal.
A Place to Remember—and to Learn
Twenty-five years later, an entire generation has grown up without a firsthand memory of September 11.
That's part of what makes the Healing Field® just as important today. Beyond serving as a memorial, the field offers younger generations an opportunity to learn about the events of that day and the individual lives behind them.
For those who do remember September 11, it's a place to reflect. For those learning about it, it's a place to better understand. And for everyone who walks through the field, it's an opportunity to remember together.
Know Before You Go
Public parking at Tempe Beach Park will be limited during event activities, so give yourself extra time to arrive. Use Tempe TRiP before heading downtown to explore parking options and plan your trip.
Whether this is your first time experiencing the Healing Field® or a tradition you return to each September, take your time walking through the rows. Read the bio cards. Learn a name. Share the experience with someone who may not remember September 11 firsthand.
Event Times
More information will be available as we get closer to the event.
Stand Up Flags – Healing Field® : Thursday, September 10th at 5:46AM. (we will begin to gather at 5:30am) Volunteers are welcome to participate!
Healing Field® Tribute: The 25th anniversary of September 11th will be Friday September 11th. The ceremony will begin at 5:46am which is the time that the first plane hit the first tower. We will read the names of the victims at the conclusion of this ceremony. The public is invited to join us in reading the names. More info will be available as we get closer to the event.
Candlelight Vigil: Friday, September 11th 7:00PM. Ceremony, speakers, candlelight vigil – candles will be placed at the base of the flags. More info will be available as we get closer to the event.
Freedom Concert: Saturday, September 12th from 6:30-8:30PM – Patriotic songs in the Park.
Tunnel to Towers 5k Run/Walk: – Sunday, September 13th at 7:30AM. 5k run at the Tempe Beach Park. Click here for registration info.
Stand Down The Field – Monday, September 14th at 6:00AM. Volunteers welcome and encouraged to help!
Event Merchandise: Check out this website to purchase our hats, shirts, etc.