Our Mission

Freedom’s Never Free (FNF) is an annual appreciation celebration honoring our Veterans, Military, First Responders, and their families. We gather the first weekend of November to remember, celebrate, and support those who serve. All are welcome — the event is free to attend.
Field of Heroes
Hundreds of American flags are displayed in honor of service members, veterans, and first responders. Orders submitted after the October 15th cutoff are held for next year’s display.
Traveling Memorials
Each year we host traveling memorial exhibits that pay tribute to our fallen and those who continue to serve.
Volunteer Guard Duty
Community members volunteer for Guard Duty to watch over the memorial displays throughout the event.

Freedom’s Never Free — Schedule Highlights

The celebration spans several days with set‑up of the Field of Heroes, memorial escorts, ceremonies, and closing tributes. Check the latest schedule for dates and times.

Freedom’s Never Free honors the brave men and women who have served our country — those who paid the cost of freedom with pride, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. Their example of honor, integrity, strength, and selflessness reminds us what true service means.

Event highlights include the Veterans Pinning Ceremony, USO Dance, Flag Retirement Ceremony, and other special tributes throughout the week.

The event concludes Saturday, November 8, with an Appreciation Ceremony and the presentation of American flag flown during the event—one to an honored living Veteran and one to a First Responder. Taps will be performed by a single bugler each evening at 6 p.m., and again at the close of the final ceremony.

Veterans, Military members, and First Responders are warmly invited to join us and allow us to recognize your service. We also welcome civilians to attend and take this opportunity to personally thank those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom — and for the freedom of others around the world.
THURSDAY
Setup Day
November 6th | 9:00 AM
Field of Heroes Setup
We need as many volunteers as we can get to help setup the Field of Heroes. Those interested, please meet us at the Ed Sands Building at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 9:00 a.m.

All are welcome!
THURSDAY
Memorial Escort
November 6th | 12:00 PM
Traveling Memorial Escort Arrives
The escort for the traveling memorials arrives at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 12 noon.

This year we have a challenge: Motorcycles verses Jeeps. Who will have the most vehicles? A trophy will be awarded the winners which will be passed to the winners each year.

Those participating in the escort need to meet at the staging area, Mott's Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio, by 10:00 a.m. Kickstands up at 11:15 a.m. We'll arrive at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster at 12:00 p.m. We welcome anyone who can come to help unload and setup the memorial. Anyone who would like to tour the museum, please arrive no later than 9 a.m.
THURSDAY
Opening Ceremony
November 6th | 4:00 PM
Posting of the Colors
The Opening Ceremony begins with the "Posting of the Colors" for the Field of Heroes. Those who have sponsored a Flag for their Hero(es) are invited to come post their respective flags. Afterwards, we will make our way to the Ed Sands building at the top of the hill where the McClain Silent Drill Corp will perform. Afterwards, we'll have a Veteran’s Pinning Ceremony, guest speakers and more.

To sponsor a Flag for your hero or pickup a Field of Heroes Flag Form from Les Reynolds at Veterans Services office at Levacy Center, 1550 Sheridan Dr suite 301, Lancaster, OH.
FRIDAY
USO Dance
November 7th | 7:00 PM
Big Dance Band
The USO dance will kick off at 7:00 P.M. with the big dance band, The Nostalgics.

We will also have our Patriotic Poster Contest for Middle School students! Posters need to be submitted no later than Wednesday, Oct. 31st at the Ed Sands building, Fairfield County Fairgrounds, to Jeannie Ignash between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. or can be dropped off to Les Reynolds at Veterans Services office, Levacy Center, 1550 Sheridan Dr suite 301, Lancaster, OH. We’ll award first, second, and third place winners. who will receive a monetary prize. Winners will be announced Saturday at the Appreciation Celebration and they must be in attendance to win.
SATURDAY
Appreciation Celebration
November 8th | 12:00-6:00 PM
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Registration for the Patriotic Pet Parade in the Ed Sands Bldg.

12:00 p.m.
For the Pet Parade, pets must be dressed in patriotic costumes.
Winner will receive a prize.

12:00-3:00 p.m.
Bring worn or tattered American flags for proper, respectful retirement at the Flag Retirement Ceremony starting at noon.​

3:30-6:00 p.m.
The official Appreciation Celebration will begin and the Patriotic Poster Contest winners will be announced at the beginning of the Appreciation Celebration. You'll enjoy special guest speakers, entertainment, and more!

6:00-6:30 p.m.
At the Closing Ceremony, two Flags will be presented; One for a military Veteran, and one for a First Responder. If you'd like to nominate a Veteran or 1st Responder to receive the Flag, you can pick up a nomination form from Les Reynolds, Veteran Services, Levacy Center, 1550 Sheridan Dr suite 301, Lancaster, OH.
SUNDAY
Take Down
November 9th | 9:00 AM
We need volunteers to help take down the Field of Heroes and memorials. Those interested, please meet us at the Ed Sands building at 9:00 a.m. We'd appreciate all the help we can get!​
We sincerely thank everyone who makes Freedom’s Never Free 2025 event possible — from participating in the escort, unloading and setting up the memorials, arranging the Field of Heroes, and later helping with takedown and loading at the event’s conclusion.

Your time, effort, and dedication embody the true spirit of service. We deeply appreciate each of you and hope you’ll join us again for this year’s celebration.

Thank you for helping us honor those who serve.
Hogs’N’Hunnies BBQ logo
Do you want to help plan the next Freedom's Never Free?


Attend our Monthly Planning Meetings at the Lancaster VFW, 116 Perry Street, the second Monday of every month at 6:30 PM
bring your old flags for properly retired event
"Freedom IS free for those who have never served," and their sacrifice carries over to their families.

About Freedom’s Never Free

FNF is an annual appreciation celebration in Fairfield County, Ohio, honoring Veterans, Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard, & Space Force), First Responders, and their families. The event features memorial exhibits, ceremonies, a Field of Heroes flag display, and community programs throughout the week.


  • Free admission — all are welcome.
  • Volunteer opportunities including Guard Duty and set‑up/take‑down.
  • Opportunities to sponsor exhibits and recognition areas.

 

To schedule the Traveling Korean Memorial, Traveling World War II Memorial, or the Traveling Small Wars & Conflicts and First Responders Memorials, or to request additional information, please contact us at 740-277-8531 or email JPhillipsBall@gmail.com.

TRAVELING KOREAN
MEMORIAL

This memorial features nineteen soldiers walking through a Korean rice paddy, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of those who served. It includes four informational panels, a 4'×8' sign titled “The Forgotten War,” and a sign requesting silence in respect and remembrance.

TRAVELING WWII
MEMORIAL

The Traveling World War II Memorial features the Wall of Stars (also known as the Wall of Freedom), the Atlantic and Pacific Pavilions, and 56 pillars adorned with oak and wheat wreaths. It also includes a granite slab engraved with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote and three granite panels bearing General Douglas MacArthur’s words.


The sign centered within the Wall of Stars intentionally reads “Here Marks the Price of Freedom,” differing from the inscription at the Washington, D.C. memorial, which states “Here We Mark the Price of Freedom.” This variation is deliberate.

TRAVELING SMALL WARS &
CONFLICTS MEMORIAL

The Traveling Small Wars & Conflicts Memorial honors American service members lost in military actions from the post–Korean War era to the present day. Each dog tag represents a life given in service to our nation.

Because no comprehensive federal record exists for these conflicts, our team conducted extensive independent research, reviewing materials from the National Archives, state veterans associations, historical records, newspapers, and obituaries. Through this effort, we identified hundreds of additional names to be properly remembered.

Research continues as time permits to ensure every casualty is recognized. Visitors are welcome to search for loved ones during the memorial’s display. If a name is missing, we will create a dog tag once a DD-214 is provided and verified with the VA.

TRAVELING FIRST RESPONDER
MEMORIAL

The Traveling First Responders Memorial honors those who tirelessly serve our communities in times of peace and in times of crisis. The display features a firefighter, police officer, a paramedic, and a SWAT officer—representing all who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.

Tributes & Memorials

Submit a photo for the Heroes Video, nominate someone for the Honor Flag presentation, or explore traveling memorials and local tributes on site.