Stirring tribute to those who gave their all returns to Common next weekend

ROCHESTER - Vouchers for Veterans and the City of Rochester are excited to announce that heroism will be on display next weekend on the Rochester Common.

Flags of Honor is a stirring and unforgettable display of 550 full-sized American flags arranged within and around the ⅓-mile oval park, each flag dedicated to an individual veteran. The event is free and open to the public and will open on from next Saturday till its dismantling on May 26. The event attracts thousands of visitors who pay their respects over the weekend to the brave men and women who have served our country.

Each evening at 7 during the four-day remembrance buglers will play echo taps, and a bagpiper will perform while walking among the field of flags. Of the 550 American flags on display, some will be dedicated by local businesses in memory of individual New Hampshire and Maine veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The remaining flags will be dedicated to any American veteran of the community's 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. At the bottom of each card will be the name of the business or person(s) dedicating the flag.

On Monday, May 25, the Rochester Memorial Day Parade will conclude at the Rochester Common at approximately 11 a.m. and the Memorial Day ceremony will take place immediately following.

Vouchers for Veterans Founder and Board President Jeanne Grover is overjoyed to bring the event back this year for its sixth 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."

To learn more about this event, please visit: www.vouchersforveterans.org