Flags of Freedom Foundation, Inc.
Freedom Field
Contents in Order:
Introduction and General Description
Mission Statement and Long Term Mission
Benefits
Freedom Field Highlights
Daily Traffic Counts
Interstate and Local Comparable Attractions
Memorials and Designations
Flags of Freedom Foundation, Inc. Info
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PURPOSE
Freedom Field, a tribute to "OLD GLORY"
First, what is the Flags of Freedom
Foundation, Inc.? It is a non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to
honoring the American Flag in an indoor and outdoor setting known as Freedom
Field. The establishment of the Foundation as a 501(c)(3) organization makes it
eligible for tax exempt privileges for donors.
Freedom Field is a proposed 30 acre national
educational park and entertainment facility dedicated to the flag of the United
States of America. "Old Glory", the universal symbol for
freedoms and liberties, has been silent for too long. YOU can
become a part in restoring the voice of freedom by supporting Freedom Field. It
will be a heartfelt remembrance to those who fought for the flag and an
educational enlightenment for the next generation of Americans to whom we pass
the torch of freedom. No tax dollars are being solicited by the
Foundation.
Freedom Field will be located north of the
Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum along Interstate-75, the American Legion
National Highway, in Wapakoneta, Ohio .
The Foundation has set several goals in its
planning of Freedom Field; to advance the education and understanding of the
history of our flag and the freedoms it represents; to make the Freedom Field
available for elementary and secondary school field trips at no cost; to
provide educational scholarships. As a historical and educational facility,
Freedom Field will teach and instill the traditional meanings of Patriotism,
Dignity, Honor and Respect for all human beings and provide true accounts of
our countries history; the good and the not so good, as it was, and not the way
some would like it to be in order to make themselves "feel good".
Flags of Freedom Foundation, Inc. would
administer the operation of Freedom Field with excess funds earmarked for
furthering students' education and eventually, additional museum exhibits.
Support for this project is coming from donations from individuals,
organizations, companies and corporations who have made their livings as a
result of the free enterprise system, one of the principles which is
represented by the flag we seek to honor.
There are many direct benefits which will
accrue from Freedom Field. Students will be able to tour the museum at no cost.
The parade grounds will be available for all manner of activities, including
patriotic celebrations, band and drum and bugle corps competitions, patriotic
pageants and the like. Other areas of Freedom Field will be ideal for other
functions including July 4th celebrations, memorial ceremonies for veterans and
Memorial Day, student and senior citizen programs, to name just a few. There
will be economic benefits, not only from the influx of tourist dollars, but
also from the creation of jobs directly connected with Freedom Field, with
other indirect employment created for area business as a result of higher
visitor volume.
The location of the field is strategic.
Lying at the intersection of I-75 and U.S. 33, it is adjacent to one of the
highest traffic motoring areas in the country. It is estimated that over 20
million vehicle passengers pass by this location each year. Along I-75 is the
established attraction - the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum - which yearly
brings visitors from all over the world. The location is accessible to 67% of
the nation's population within a day's drive. The area is close to two
airports, three hospitals, and the I-75 corridor gives ready access to Dayton
Cincinnati, Toledo, Detroit and other points North and South. U.S. 33 allows
easy access from Columbus, Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne, Chicago and other East/West
points.
Freedom Field, in its indoor/outdoor
setting, will be the first of its design in the country. It complements the
Neil Armstrong Museum's depiction of the present and future with a firm
foundation in the rich heritage of the past. The vistas of American achievement
represented by the Air and Space Museum are the direct descendants of the
ideals and principles which are symbolized by the flags of our nation. The
importance of Flags as symbolic testaments reflects the diversity each state
has in its heritage and cultural mix, each separate and distinct with its own
identity; while at the same time, unified by a shared belief in freedoms and liberties
represented by the Flag of the United States of America. It is our hope
that you will want to become involved
Support for the project is coming from all
directions....people like yourself. Now is the time to preserve your
family's heritage, sacrifice and commitment to the freedoms we all share
through The Freedom Field Park & Museum. The Park has been developed to
preserve the history of the greatest symbol of our freedom in America - The
United States Flag. As Americans we have fought both on the battlefield and at
home to preserve the freedoms and revolutionary beliefs our forebearers
prescribed over two centuries ago. Now you, your family, your company or
organization, and community can help preserve the History, the Freedom
and the Glory of our Flag for generations to enjoy.
Make a difference in the education of young
and old alike and show pride in your country by making a tax deductible
contribution toward the construction of Freedom Field.
ENDORSED BY:
Veterans
of Foreign Wars - The American Legion, Department of Ohio, Amvets – Eagles -
Auglaize County Commissioners - Wapakoneta City Council -Wapakoneta Board of
Education
MISSION STATEMENT
Our purpose is to cultivate in the
largest possible number of our citizens an appreciation of both the responsibilities
and the benefits which come to them because they are Americans.........and are
free.
LONG
TERM MISSION
The Institution: It is the
goal of Flags of Freedom Foundation, Inc. and Freedom Field to institute a long
range commitment to education central to its activities; which is to preserve
and promote the great ideals embodied in the flags of the United States of
America. These goals will require the museum to evaluate its programs, exhibits
and management structures in order to establish new paradigms, allowing it to
enrich the learning experiences presented by the museum. The museum will
achieve a balance between its social and fiscal responsibilities.
The Community and Surrounding Area: An effective
learning environment will be developed and maintained along with an ongoing
dialogue with the audiences for which the museum is intended. Flags of Freedom
Foundation, Inc. will establish partnerships with local school systems,
universities, cultural organizations, social service organizations and other
community based institutions in order to enable the museum to reach diverse
audiences such as "at risk" elementary and secondary school students
who have not developed an appreciation of who they are and the importance of
their heritage. From a legislative standpoint, the foundation will assist in
making an impact on educational reform with increasing recognition of the
importance of "informal" education. Freedom Field will play a large part
in the communities' financial, economic and educational goals and activities.
National Environment: Through
exhibitions and programming, Freedom Field will serve as a forum for
information and debate on major issues facing the national community;
environmental protection, cross cultural understanding and cultural
preservation. The facility will instill a feeling of repatriation to basic
moral and ethical views as they relate to the causes of migration of people to
the United States of America over the past several hundred years. Flags of
Freedom Foundation, Inc. will be a historical bastion of truth regarding United
States history; while at peace and in time of war.
The Foundation will continually examine its
role as an educational institution from both internal and external
perspectives. The importance of Flags as symbolic testaments reflects the
diversity each state has in its heritage and cultural mix, each separate and
distinct with its own identity; while at the same time, unified by a shared
belief in freedoms and liberties represented by the Flag of the United
States of America.
B E N E F I T S
The following is a list of major benefits
that will accrue from Flags of Freedom Foundation, Inc. and Freedom Field.
· Preserve and promote the Freedoms and Liberties represented
by the United States Flag.
· Teach and instill traditional meanings of Patriotism,
Dignity, Honor and Respect for all human beings.
· Provide educational materials to elementary and
secondary schools.
· Provide educational scholarships to needy students
wishing to further their education.
· Provide assistance to disabled veterans and employers
for specialized equipment and training.
· Student and youth organization tour programs at no
cost.
· Senior Citizen tours and programs.
· Public use of the facility for special events.
· Provide schools with assembly programs.
· Create both direct and indirect employment
opportunities.
· Will not be limited to any special interest group.
· Promote unity and equality.
· No tax monies are being solicited by the Foundation.
OUR GOAL IS A MUSEUM RICH IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR NATION
FREEDOM FIELD HIGHLIGHTS
OLD GLORY GARDENS: A beautiful floral arrangement of colored flowers
horticulturally displaying the American Flag in all its glory.
REPUBLIC HALL: A colonial style building containing a wide array
of flags, presidential and historical documents, memorabilia, history and
evolution of the American Flag, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution
and other very important, significant documents.
LIBERTY FOUNTAIN: Crowned with the American Eagle, ever flowing
waters symbolize that Liberty is not to be taken for granted and preservation
of basic freedoms is a continual struggle...that dreams and wishes do come
true...that the human spirit seeking justice, equality, and dignity does
prevail.
FREEDOM WALK: An eight-foot wide sidewalk winding throughout the
park paved with bricks imprinted with the names of each person, family,
organization or community making a specific contributions to Freedom Field. The
walk will be mapped into sections so that contributors can easily locate their
brick.
PATRIOT FIELD: A parade ground bounded by a walk and flanked with
flags representing many of the previous flags that have flown over the United
States previous to "Old Glory". The field itself with natural bowl
type slopes will accommodate military bands, drum and bugle corp competitions,
and memorial and other celebrations honoring our nation.
FIELD OF HONOR: A salute to American veterans, over one-hundred granite
memorial markers; each bearing the names of the major battles fought by
Americans for the cause of Freedom. You will see memorials commemorating Iwo
Jima, Gettysburg, Bunker Hill, Battle of the Bulge, Inchon and others.
FLAG OF FREEDOM MONUMENT: More than 300' across, this centerpiece of Freedom
Field will feature a 30' x 50' United States Flag flying more than 120' above
the ground, anchored in a 15' high, granite faced pentagon base. This base,
surrounded by five reflective pools creating the shape of a star, is encircled
by three rings of Freedom Walk displaying all state and colonial flags. The
five sides of the base will contain bronze plaques accentuating historical
documents such as the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.
DAILY TRAFFIC COUNT
24-HOUR AVERAGE – WAPAKONETA, OHIO
INTERSTATE 75/BELLEFONTAINE STREET/U S
ROUTE 33
2001 OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
INTERSTATE 75 @
WAPAKONETA
North
Corporation @ State Route 67
Northbound/Southbound 38,060
Old
US 33 @ Interstate 75
Northbound/Southbound 38,060
South Corporation @ US Route 33
Northbound/Southbound 36,040
BELLEFONTAINE STREET
(WAPAK-FISHER ROAD)
East
of Interstate 75
Eastbound/Westbound
5,490
West
of Interstate 75
Eastbound/Westbound
6,550
U S ROUTE 33
West
of Interstate 75 @ State Route 67
Eastbound/Westbound
14,180
Interstate
75 @ US Route 33
Eastbound/Westbound
6,320
West
of Interstate 75 @ Wapak-Fisher Rd.
Eastbound/Westbound
6,070
INTERSTATE COMPARIABLE ATTRACTIONS
ATTRACTION ANNUAL ATTN. SOURCE DISTANCE
Greenfield Village 1.4 Million Public
Affairs 140 Miles
Ford Museum 313/271-1620 Joan
Air Force Museum 1.3 Million Public
Stats 60 Miles
Dayton, OH 513/255-3284 Chris
Mammoth Cave 526,000 Public Relations 300 Miles
Bowling Green, KY 502/758-2328 Justine
See Rock City 475,000 Public
Affairs 400 Miles
Look-out Mt., TN 706/820-2531 Todd
Mackinac 450,000 City of Mackinaw 400 Miles
Mackinaw City, MI May-Oct. 616/436-5563 Lana
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Allen County Fair 200,000 Fair
Board 15 Miles
Octoberfest 100,000 Minster Chamber 15 Miles
Twin Lakes *
90,000 Owner 1/2 Mile
Armstrong Museum ** 75,000 Curator 1/8 Mile
Auglaize County Fair 60,000 Fair
Board 1 Mile
Shelby County Fair 50,000 Fair
Board 20 Miles
KOA Campground 12,000 Owner 1/2 Mile
St. Marys Lake *** 10,000 Wk. St.
Marys Chamber 10 Miles
Indian Lake *** 5,000 Wk. Lakeview
Chamber 15 Miles
*Private Resort **No
Advertising, State Facility ***Summer
Months
FLAGS OF FREEDOM FOUNDATION, INC.
FREEDOM FIELD
Entity Type - 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charitable Ohio Corporation
Federal ID - EIN 34-1661450
Purpose - Plan,
Develop and Maintain 30 acre Park and Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio
Governing Board Dave Christiansen – President
Background
- 31 Years in Commercial Banking,
Finance & Sales
Larry
McLean - Vice President
Background
- 34 Years County Engineers Office
as Designer/Artist
Dennis
Faller - Secretary/Treasurer
Background - 29 Years Attorney at Law
Our purpose is to cultivate in the largest possible number of our
citizens
an appreciation of both the responsibilities and the benefits which
come to them
because they are Americans.........and are free.