Field of Honor for those who gave their all returns to Common May 24-26

ROCHESTER - Vouchers for Veterans once again will bring their stirring story of American heroism with the Field of Honor tribute at the Rochester Common on Memorial Day weekend.

The Flags of Honor display features 550 full-size American flags displayed around the ⅓-mile oval park, each flag dedicated to an individual veteran.

The event runs from May 24-27.

During the four-day weekend tribute each evening around 7 p.m., buglers will play taps and a bagpiper will walk among the field of flags while playing. Of the 550 American flags on display, 200 will be dedicated by local businesses in memory of individual New Hampshire and Maine Vietnam veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The remaining 350 flags will be dedicated to American veterans of anyone's choosing.

As part of the Memorial Day tribute, each flag will feature a laminated card containing the name, branch, rank, and insignia of the honored veteran attached to the flagpole with a yellow silk ribbon. At the bottom of each card will be the name of the business or person(s) dedicating the flag.

The Rochester Memorial Day Parade will conclude at the Rochester Common around 11 a.m., followed immediately by a Memorial Day ceremony. 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 attendees and provide opening remarks. The keynote speaker will be Retired Navy Capt. Michael Lane.

Vouchers for Veterans founder Jeanne Grover said she was overjoyed to bring the event back for its fifth year.

"Every year, we witness several people wiping away tears as they stroll among the field of flags, reading names on each card." she said."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 is hoping a huge crowd shows up..

"It truly is a wonderful and heartwarming event that captures the sacrifices and spirit of all who have served our country," she said.

Grover said anyone can honor a veteran's service with a dedicated flag at this year's event.

To do so, visit vouchersforveterans.org to dedicate a flag. Anyone can complete the process 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, Grover said.