Flags for Heroes, a program sponsored by the Milford Rotary Club, will return to Bicentennial Park this year. The flags will stand in the park from May 16 through June 6. Proceeds from the flags are used toward the Milford Rotary Club Educational Foundation.
The Flags for Heroes program, although it is held each Memorial Day, is not just tor recognize the fallen. Instead, it is a program designed to recognize all the heroes in Milford. Each flag has a plaque, either in honor or in memory of a member of the military, first responder or someone who has served the local community.
Flags for Heroes is a national event and originally began as part of the Memorial Day celebration to honor those who died in the line of service. Today, the event recognizes not only those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but the sacrifices military members and first responders make every day to keep people safe.
Rotary members walk through the park every day to check on the Flags for Heroes display and say they often stop to talk to people who are at a flag they purchased or are looking for one they dedicated. Club members say it gives them a warm feeling to interact with them and hear stories about the person who has a flag dedicated. Often, they are told how much it means to have a display like Flags for Heroes in town.
A personal memorial through Flags for Heroes is $50, and the plaque can be ordered by visiting the Milford Rotary website or contacting any member of the Milford Rotary. Corporate sponsorships are available for companies that want to honor employees or former employees. The cost of a corporate sponsorship is based on the number of flags ordered.
There is also a $90 contribution option that allows the purchaser to keep the flag and plaque after it is taken down on June 6.
