They've set up a Web site, healingfield.org/remember, with a downloadable list of all the servicemen and women who died. They've created fliers, tacked them up in stores and other businesses where they have been welcomed and done what they can to get the word out about the Healing Field.

Proceeds from the sponsorship of the flags go to the Patriot Guard Riders' Help on the Homefront program. The national charitable organization provides flag services at military funerals and helps deter protesters, turns out for military homecomings and departures and helps veterans once they get home.

The field coincides with the 2009 Gathering of the Guard, which is the group's national convention being held in the Ogden area July 30-Aug. 2.

Putting the field together is a daunting task, but as the parents talk proudly with fresh tears about the young men they have lost, no effort connected with the field seems insurmountable.

"It is gratifying to me to talk to the people I have about their loved ones," Fay Dolan said.

"The man from Alabama was just bawling — he had lost his best friend from Kentucky and this was the way he wanted to make sure his buddy was never forgotten. He wants me to take a picture of his friend's flag on the field and I am happy, honored to do that for him," she said. "It was healing for me."

For Fay Dolan, the field is not just a tribute to her son and others, it is their legacy.

"He was just 19 and this is his legacy — I won't ever have a grandchild from him, but I will have this."

How to help

To sponsor a flag go to www.healingfield.org/remember or call Bob Lehmiller at 801-391-0725.

Patriot Guard Riders rally

The Patriot Guard Riders' 2009 national rally, "The Gathering of the Guard — A Weekend to Remember," is set for July 30-Aug. 2 at the Weber County Fairgrounds and in downtown Ogden.

Daily activities at the fairground will include food vendors, exhibitors, a children's play area and local musicians. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute, featuring the largest scale replica of the Vietnam Wall, will be on display and will include memorials to other military conflicts in our nation's history.

A street festival is set for Aug. 1 on Ogden's 25th Street. A concert that night at the Ogden Ampitheater will feature country band Confederate Railroad and The Kentucky Headhunters. Concert tickets are available at Smith's Tix, with all proceeds supporting the Patriot Guard Riders Help on the Homefront and local veterans' organizations.

For more information, go to gotg.patriotguard.org

E-MAIL: amyjoi@desnews.com