The 2024 edition of Flags for Heroes was another great success with over 300 flags placed in both Derby and Shelton in time for Memorial Day and removed on June 20. The full-size American flags were proudly flying at the Shelton Veterans Memorial Park, at the Derby Green, and at Derby City Hall. Each of the flags included a memorial marker with the name of the hero being honored. The Flags for Heroes Ceremony was held on the Riverwalk in Shelton on Saturday, June 15th with Bill Purcell of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce serving as the master of ceremonies. The Flags for Heroes was the subject of WTNH’s Wednesday Warriors program on June 19. Click here to see the story.
Click here to see a listing and locations for all the flags placed in Derby.
Click here for the listing of Shelton flags.
Heroes may be veterans, current service members, first responders, public safety officials, teachers, coaches, essential workers, or family members. Heroes may also be single moms or dads, special grandparents, and even neighbors.
“I was struck with pride and joy and patriotism when my father-in-law was honored at the Wallingford Rotary Club Flags for Heroes program in 2021 for being a Marine. I knew we have many heroes that we need to honor in our communities, and this inspired me to bring this wonderful project here to The Valley,” said Linda Holmes-Hannon, Flags for Heroes Chairperson.
“The community response was amazing these last two years. I think everyone who saw the over 200 flags at the Shelton Veterans Memorial Park and at the Derby Green were moved. So many people wanted to support and honor the heroes in our lives last year during our first Flags for Heroes,” said Holmes-Hannon. “We’ve had so many requests since last year, and we are looking forward to helping honor even more community heroes this year.”
“I’m so proud of our Derby-Shelton Rotary Club and everyone who helps put this event together. The beauty of all of the flags representing the heroes in our lives is so heartwarming. It symbolizes all the love we have in our community for those that touch our lives in many different ways,” said Kim Ryan Caro, President of the Rotary Club of Derby-Shelton.
Proceeds from Flags for Heroes will benefit the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club which supports the community through special projects and grants to local organizations. The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club retains the flags for use at future events. All sponsors are invited to join the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club for a “Flags for Heroes” ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Shelton, June 15th at 11:00 am. For high school students looking for community service hours, contact Lucy Andrade at Ljandrade12@gmail.com or 203-258-4519.