The Arlington Memorial Gardens will once again create a “Field of Memories” to serve as a special area of tribute and to foster appreciation for the men and women who have defended our nation and preserved our freedom. Arlington is selling 3’ x 5’ flag dedications to both individuals and corporations wishing to honor their loved ones, to be installed and raised over 10 acres during Memorial Day weekend beginning Thursday, May 23rd at 9:00 a.m. The “Field of Memories” faces Ronald Reagan Highway and the display is licensed through the Colonial Flag Foundation.
“Last year we sold more than 700 flag dedications, but during this fourthyear of the event, we hope we can get that number closer to 1,000 by Memorial Day weekend,” says Arlington’s President Dan Applegate. Arlington’s open acreage visible from Ronald Reagan Highway serves as the perfect setting for the stirring “Field of Memories.” According to Applegate, “We’re told over and again that the site of the vast field of flags provokes spontaneous, spine-tingling reactions that remind visitors just why Memorial Day is so meaningful.” The flags are raised and lighted atop 7’ poles and on display for the public beginning Thursday, May 23rd, continuing through Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th.
While this memorial is especially poignant for veterans, it’s a tribute that is open to non-veterans also. The flags can be dedicated to any individual whether living or deceased, that has played an important part in someone’s life. The net proceeds from the flags will be donated to the “Operation: Ramp It Up For Veterans,” which builds and installs mobility ramps for veterans. The organization is funded by donations. UPS employee volunteers, members of Team Fastrax as well as many other corporate groups and individual volunteers will also donate their time to assist in the installing of the flags, a project that takes about 4 hours.
The pricing for flag dedications is $35.00 for each 3’ x 5’ flag. Corporate packages with multiple flags are also available. The flags will be adorned with distinct colors of ribbons signifying whether the honoree is: buried at Arlington, a veteran, serving on active duty, or is a first responder or public servant, as well as those killed in action or killed in the line of duty. As a token of appreciation for supporting the Field of Memories, each purchaser will receive a commemorative keepsake. To purchase a flag, please visitwww.amgardens.org, call 513-521-7003 or stop by in person at The Arlington Memorial Gardens located at 2145 Compton Road.
On Sunday, May 27that 11:30 a.m. Arlington hosts its annual “Lunch With A Veteran” and Flag Raising Ceremony. Featured guest speaker this year isJohn P. Hart II, Founder Start Skydiving |Selection.Com®.
Team Fastrax, a Professional Parachute Team, will perform their patriotic flag jump during the Lunch With A Veteran. All events are free and open to the public.
Established in 1934, The Arlington Memorial Gardens is a 165-acre campus located at 2145 Compton Road in Springfield Township. The campus is situated on land that was originally deeded by General George Washington to the Johnson family for services rendered during the American War of Independence. In addition to The Arlington Funeral Home, the campus has 29 burial gardens, several scattering gardens, a Lakeside Chapel, a Reception Center, a Mausoleum Complex and regularly holds unique activities and events open, free of charge, to the entire community. For more information visitwww.amgardens.orgor call 513-521-7003.
The full timeline of activities is listed below:
Wednesday May 22nd
Flag installation begins at 9am (more than 800 flags installed)
Thursday May 23rd
Field of Memories Opens to the public 9am to 7pm
Friday May 24th
Field of Memories Open 9am to 7pm
Saturday May 25th
Field of Memories Open 9am to 7pm
Sunday May 26th
Field of Memories Open 9am-7pm
11:30 – 12:30 Lunch with a Veteran
12:00 noon Team Fastrax patriotic Parachute display
12:30 – 1:30 Taps, Flag Raising, Speaker
Monday May 27th (Memorial Day)
Field of Memories Open 9am-7pm – Final Day
Moment of Silence followed by reading of names from flag dedications 3pm