Healing Field of Honor Returns to Punta Gorda: Why Veterans Call Charlotte


October 19th, 2026

Healing Field of Honor Punta Gorda

Healing Field of Honor Returns to Punta Gorda: Why Veterans Call Charlotte County Home

This Veterans Day, 1,000 American flags will rise along the Peace River at Laishley Park. The Rotary Club of Punta Gorda’s Healing Field of Honor returns November 10 and 11, 2026, for its sixth year. This year it coincides with America’s 250th anniversary.

Every flag in the field carries a name. Each one is dedicated to a veteran, an active-duty service member, a first responder, or a hometown hero. A personalized tag on each flag tells that person’s story.

A Community That Shows Up for Its Heroes

Events like the Healing Field of Honor say a lot about a place. In Charlotte County, honoring service is part of everyday life, not just something that happens on a holiday.

Nearly 20,000 veterans live in Charlotte County, one of the highest concentrations in Southwest Florida. They come here for the waterfront lifestyle, the small-town feel, and a community that values service. Many stay active long after their military careers end. They mentor, volunteer, start businesses, and lead local organizations like the Rotary Club of Punta Gorda.

Quality of Life Built Around Service

Charlotte County gives veterans and their families more than a beautiful place to live:

  • Local support: Charlotte County Veteran Services helps veterans and families with benefits and resources.
  • Living history: The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda preserves the stories of those who served.
  • Outdoor living: Veterans can enjoy waterfront parks, more than 200 miles of navigable waterways, and year-round sunshine.
  • Easy travel: Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) offers nonstop flights, so family visits are simple.

For employers, this matters too. Veterans bring leadership, discipline, and technical skills to the local workforce. A community that honors them helps attract and keep that talent.

How to Dedicate a Flag

Anyone can take part. For $40, you can dedicate a flag to someone who has served or made a difference in your life.

  • Choose your hero: a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, or hometown hero
  • Add their name to a personalized flag tag displayed in the field
  • Keep the flag: You can take your flag home after the event as a lasting tribute

Nonprofits can benefit, too. Through Rotary’s Affiliate Program, organizations can help dedicate flags while raising money for their own missions.

Proceeds support the Rotary Club of Punta Gorda’s work in the community.

Visit the Field

Walk through the field at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda on November 10 and 11. Read the names, take in the view along the harbor, and see why Charlotte County is a place where service is never forgotten.

Dedicate your flag today: https://www.puntagordarotary.org/hfoh/  

Healing Field of Honor Punta Gorda