EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – A sea of flags is waving across the field in Eau Claire, in honor and recognition of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Saturday marks the opening day of the Exchange Club of Eau Claire’s ‘Field of Honor’ held at the field Chippewa Valley Technical College.

It’s a solemn tribute to all of the fallen military, veterans and those at home and abroad.

The walk across the field is a somber one as each flag represents sacrifice.

“We're doing that with flag of 1500 US flags and the flags behind me are the Wisconsin flags,” says organizer Tim Bauer.

Each flag has a tag on it, representing a life that’s been lost.

“Each flag is memorialized with their picture, their hometown and their date of death,” says Bauer.

Some people came to the opening ceremony day to teach their kids of sacrifice and honor.

“I wanted to bring my kids so they have a little bit of an appreciation for what our veterans do for us and I think we tend to take a lot of things for granted,” says Army veteran and dad Kevin Gullo of Chippewa Falls.

“We're learning that a lot of veterans saved this country and that so we can be free from other countries and stuff like that,” says Kevin’s 10-year-old son Kendren Gullo.

And it’s also a lesson that it’s better late than never to honor our brave men and women.

“A lot of Vietnam era people or Vietnam vets were shunned so badly when we came back. It’s neat to see Desert storm people and everyone being honored now,” says Vietnam era Navy veteran Bruce Tallman.

“There are no words that express the community’s sorrow for loss. But we hold them all deeply in our heart we hold them in our hearts, our prayers and recognize their ultimate sacrifice. Those that are serving, we pray for their safety,” says 93rd assembly Rep. Warren Petryk who came to show his support at the Field of Honor.

Kevin Gullo says he wants his kids to know that freedom is not free.

“It’s something that we have as a motto. A lot of us veterans, we think freedoms free but it comes as a price, but they gave the ultimate price,” says Kevin.

WEAU’s Meghan Kulig emceed the opening ceremony on Saturday and WEAU is a proud sponsor of the Field of Honor.

The Field of Honor continues until September 16th. Entrance is free and you can sponsor a flag for $30.