2 weeks Ago
Vouchers for Veterans and the city of Rochester say heroism will be on display Memorial Day weekend (May 24-26) on Rochester Common as they bring back Flags of Honor for a fifth year. It is a stirring display of 550 full size American flags within and around the one-third of a mile oval park, each dedicated to an individual veteran. The event is free to the public to attend, and will open on Saturday, May 24.
It will remain open to the public until its dismantling Tuesday morning, May 27. The event attracts thousands of visitors who will pay their respects over the weekend to the brave men and women who have served our country. Each evening at 7, buglers will play taps and a bagpiper will play while walking among the field of flags.
Of the flags on display, 200 will be dedicated by local businesses in the memory of individual New Hampshire and Maine Vietnam veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The remaining 350 flags will be dedicated to any American veteran of your choosing. Each flag is identified with a laminated card containing the name, branch, rank and insignia of the veteran being honored and is attached to its own flagpole with a yellow silk ribbon.
On the bottom of each card will be the name of the business or person(s) dedicating the flag. On Monday, May 26, the Rochester Memorial Day Parade will end at the Rochester Common at approximately 11 a.m.
and the Memorial Day ceremony will take place immediately following. The Rochester Veterans Council and American Legion Post 7 will open the ceremony with the presentation of colors followed by the laying of wreaths for each branch of the military. Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan will welcome all in attendance and provide opening remarks.
The keynote speaker will be retired Navy Capt. Michael Lane. Vouchers for Veterans founder Jeanne Grover said she is overjoyed to be able to bring the event back.
“Every year we witness several people wiping away tears as they stroll among the field of flags, reading names on each card. We are so grateful to the City of Rochester for partnering with us so that this display is available for the community.” Executive Director Morgan Morani said, “It truly is a wonderful and heartwarming event that captures the sacrifices and spirit of all who have served our country.
” Visit vouchersforveterans.org to dedicate a flag. You can do it online or download a form to print and mail in.
The deadline to dedicate a flag is May 15. All proceeds from this event go directly toward providing fresh, local food to veterans in New Hampshire and Maine — sourced from the very farmers who call these communities home..
