Attendees at the 2025 Filed of Hope Dedication Ceremony. Photos by www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2025
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County and City of Flagstaff officials gathered with volunteers from the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the 116 children who died in 2024 as a result of child abuse at the “Field of Hope Dedication Ceremony” on Friday, April 4, 2025.
“As you look across the field today and remember each of the 116 precious children who died from child abuse or neglect, remember there are many who have survived atrocious treatment from the adults who were responsible for their care,” Exchanged Club officials stated in the program. “Let each of these flags also represent the survivors. The Field of Hope is dedicated today to all children, that they will be nurtured to adulthood in love and safety.”
The flags were first planted on the Coconino County courthouse lawn during a snow storm on April 2, and replanted during the dedication ceremony on April 4.
The event included a welcome by Cheryl Coronado-Bruton of the Exchanged Club, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Betty Goodwin (video) and placement of the U.S. and Arizona flags by Boy Scout Troop 33.
Mitch Strohman (video), of MAS Communications, gave a heart-felt opening presentation (video) at the event, followed by the reading (video) of the Coconino County Proclamation by chair of the Board of Supervisors Judy Begay (video), the City of Flagstaff Proclamation by Mayor Becky Daggett. and remarks by Coconino County District 3 Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros (HERE)
The ceremony, which was held on Coconino County Courthouse lawn, included the placement by attendees of 116 white flags to honor the children. Following the placement of the flags, a bell was rung for each of the children with Gary Howell of the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff giving the closing Benediction.
While number of flags declined from 146 in 2023, they were still up from 79 as reported in AmigosNAZ in 2019.
Also see:
- Arizona Daily Sun — Fewer flags on this year’s Field of Hope, but still 116 too many
- Arizona Daily Sun — The Exchange Club Of Flagstaff worked through snow squalls this afternoon to set up the Field of Hope on the Coconino County Courthouse lawn See video below)
- Coconino County — Reading, video and photos of the Coconino Proclamation by Chair of the Board of Supervisors Judy Begay
Attendees gather for the opening remarks at the 2025 Filed of Hope Dedication Ceremony.
Cheryl Coronado-Bruton and Gary Howell of the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff open the 2025 Field of Hope Dedication Ceremony.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 33 prepare for the Presentation of Colors.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 33 conclude the Presentation of Colors ceremony.
The 116 white flags, far left, will be placed on the County Courthouse Lawn following the opening remarks.
Mitch Strohman of MAS Communications served as master of ceremonies for the event.
The 2025 Coconino County Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation is read by chair of the Board of Supervisors Judy Begay. See the county video HERE.
Mitch Strohman prepares to introduce Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett prepares to read the 2025 City of Flagstaff Proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Coconino County District 3 Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros makes some remarks during the Field of Hope Dedication Ceremony.
Attendees place the 116 white flags during the 2025 Filed of Hope Dedication Ceremony.
Attendees gather at the 2025 Filed of Hope Dedication Ceremony for the ringing of the bell 116 times in recognition of each child who died of child abuse or neglect.
Gary Howell of the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff gives the closing Benediction.
The 116 flags remained standing through the weekend.
