MILWAUKEE —The War Memorial Center is transforming the grounds north of our building in Veterans Park into a majestic Field of Flags in tribute to all U.S. Armed Forces service members who have died in service to our nation since the War on Terror began after September 11, 2001. This signature community event invites hundreds of volunteers to help place the 7,056 flags needed for this Memorial Day weekend tribute. This more than doubles our efforts of last year when we created a Field of Flags of 2,972 flags representing every brave Milwaukee service member who gave his or her life defending our country during World War II.
“From the Greatest Generation to the latest generation, we hope our Field of Flags serves as a stunning reminder of the price of freedom,” said War Memorial Center President/CEO Dan Buttery. “We plan to make this a Memorial Day weekend tradition for Milwaukee. We had hoped to do that last year, but the event was postponed due to the pandemic and instead coincided with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. It is our sincere hope that an annual Field of Flags educates the civilian community on the true meaning of Memorial Day.”
The completed display, sponsored by Lorraine O’Malley and George Banda, will be a breathtaking tribute and powerful message of community support for these fallen heroes that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Video of last year’s Field of Flags can be viewed here and a time lapse video here. Volunteers of all ages are invited to join in placing the flags. Volunteer signup here.
What: Field of Flags
When: Saturday, May 29 at9 a.m. (short program precedes flag placement)
Where: Veterans Park north of the War Memorial Center
Who: War Memorial Center volunteers
Why: Honoring the 7,056 fallen U.S. Armed Forces service members since 9/11
Operation 30:20 (OPS 30:20) is a year-long campaign by the War Memorial Center to recognize all who have served and deployed on behalf of a grateful nation since Operation Desert Storm. January 17, 2021, marked the 30-year anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Storm. September 11, 2021, marks the 20-year anniversary since the terror attacks of 9/11.
Contact:
Dan Buttery, WMC President/CE0
414-273-5533 DButtery@WarMemorialCenter.org