Manchester Prepares for the Return of Flags of Valor to Forest Park

The City of Manchester is mobilizing community support to prepare for the annual Flags of Valor display. Volunteers are currently needed to facilitate assemble essential tribute materials, including dog tags and photo cards, for a display set to return to Art Hill in Forest Park this September.

Honoring Service Members at Art Hill

The Flags of Valor initiative serves as a powerful tribute to the first responders and U.S. Service members who defended the nation. The display involves planting individual flags into the center of St. Louis’ Forest Park to honor those who lost their lives in the Global War on Terror.

The upcoming September installation continues a tradition of remembrance. In 2016, for example, the “America’s Heartland Remembers” display featured over 7,000 flags on Art Hill, each representing a military hero.

Local Impact and the Manchester Veterans Memorial

While the large-scale display takes place in Forest Park, the City of Manchester maintains a permanent connection to this tribute. The Manchester Veterans Memorial, located at Margaret Stoecker Park, houses a collection of 26 American flags from the 15th and 20th anniversary displays.

This local collection includes a specific flag that flew in the center circle of the 2016 Art Hill installation, dedicated to those who lost their lives to PTSD, acknowledging that the casualties of war extend beyond the battlefield.

Annual Display Dates at Margaret Stoecker Park

The City of Manchester proudly displays the Flags of Valor collection at the Veterans Memorial on several key dates throughout the year:

• Vietnam War Veterans Day: March 30
• Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
• Flag Day: June 14
• PTSD Awareness Day: June 26
• Independence Day: July 4
• Purple Heart Day: August 7
• Patriot Day: September 11
• POW/MIA Recognition Day: September 18
• Veterans Day: November 11

Key Takeaways for Volunteers

• Purpose: Assembling dog tags and photo cards for the September display.
• Location of Main Event: Art Hill in Forest Park.
• Community Goal: To ensure every fallen hero is honored with an individualized tribute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Flags of Valor?

The project honors first responders and service members who bravely defended the nation through the placement of individual flags in a public space, creating a visual representation of sacrifice.

Where can I see the Flags of Valor in Manchester?

A curated collection of these flags is displayed at the Veterans Memorial in Margaret Stoecker Park on specific commemorative dates throughout the year.

As the city prepares for the September return to Forest Park, these volunteer efforts ensure that the legacy of those who served is preserved and honored with dignity.