Each September as a memoriam to the victims of 9/11 and the first responders killed 24 years ago, volunteers place over 3,350 flags near Sandy City Hall.
Utah’s Healing Field and Fallen Field, on the City Hall Promenade, was once again site where more than 600 volunteers placed U.S. flags that were on display from Sept. 9-15.

Although Sean held a job, his true dream was to become a teacher like his mother. A gifted athlete, he played high school football, earned 50 medals in swimming, and captained Loyola College’s rugby team.

At 23, Jennifer was working and happily engaged to a student at the police academy. Timothy was described as “the most devoted father you can imagine,” not only to his three young daughters, but also to the girls on the soccer teams he coached.

Anthony, originally from Sicily, immigrated to the United States at age 18. He and his family had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary days before the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.

These are just a few of the many lives lost 24 years ago, remembered and honored with one of the 3,350 flags displayed.

“Each represents someone who lost their life during the attacks on 9/11/01 or a Utah police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty since that day,” said Susan Wood, public information officer for Sandy City, in a release. “Each year Sandy asks for volunteers from the community to help place the flags and remove them after the event. This year’s volunteers included people from local businesses, scouting programs, neighborhood and church groups, and United and Delta airline pilots.”

For 23 years, the Utah Healing Field — in collaboration with Colonial Flag — has paid tribute to those who perished with the help of those volunteers who this year included individuals, church groups, Girl Scout troops, school groups such as Alta High’s National Honor Society and Mt. Jordan PTSA this year, and many others to assemble, raise and retire the flags.

In addition, the Sandy Police and Fire Departments contributed by installing the Utah Fallen Officers’ Field, providing the community the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by local heroes.

Wood said the solemn display in Sandy City was the first Healing Field in the nation erected in 2012 to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The Healing Field represents 2,977 victims of those terrorist attacks. It was located at 10000 Centennial Parkway.