CelebrateOne's Field of Angels: Honoring Franklin County's Babies

For 10 years, CelebrateOne has worked alongside families, providers, and community partners to give every baby a fighting chance, a chance to thrive. But far too many families still face the unimaginable pain of losing a child.

Between 2014 and 2024, we have lost 1,539 infants before their first birthday in Franklin County alone. Behind each number is a family changed forever. A story of grief and love. A birthday that will never be celebrated.

On Tuesday, September 23 at 4:00 p.m., we will gather on the lawn of City Hall for Field of Angels: Honoring Franklin County's Babies — an evening to remember the babies we've lost, stand with the families who carry their memory, and recommit ourselves to building a future where every child reaches their first birthday.

The speaking program will begin promptly at 4:10 p.m. with welcome remarks from Mayor Andrew Ginther, reflections from CelebrateOne leadership, and a local family sharing their baby’s legacy. Together, we will pause for a collective moment of silence to honor the 1,539 babies remembered.

Guests will also take part in meaningful memorial activities:

• Pinwheel Installation – 1,539 white pinwheels covering the City Hall lawn, each representing a baby in Franklin County lost before their first birthday.
• Hearts on a Line – Write names, messages, or affirmations on paper hearts and clip them to ribbons, creating a living display of remembrance and hope.
• Commitment Wall – Share a written commitment to honor babies lost and support healthier futures for families.

By bringing the Field of Angels to the City Hall lawn, we demonstrate that our city’s leaders and community members stand united in the fight against infant mortality — remembering the babies we’ve lost, standing with grieving families, and carrying this work forward together.

Parking & TransportationStreet and garage parking are available nearby. Attendees can use the ParkColumbus app or the Downtown Columbus interactive parking map to view real-time rates and availability: https://downtowncolumbus.com/get-around/parking/

Bus options are also available for those traveling by public transit.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Columbus City Hall, 90 West Broad Street, Columbus, United States