Anass Yahyaoui, Hjarman Cordero, Arely Morales, Patrick Coye and Ru Toyama at the June 30 opening of the Flags for Heroes display at Cedar Knoll Restaurant.
Hundreds of American flags were unfurled overlooking the Potomac River to kick off the 9th annual Flags for Heroes display June 30 on the grounds of Cedar Knoll Restaurant.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alexandria, the Flags for Heroes project provides community members an opportunity to dedicate a flag to honor a hero in their life. A card attached to each flag bears the name of the hero – a friend, family member, veteran, healthcare worker, first responder or other hero -- along with the name of the individual sponsor.
“These flags not only recognize our heroes but also support multiple local charities,” said Rotary Club past president Jim Carmalt. “This includes scholarships for Scouting troops and STEM programs to develop outstanding leaders.”
Area volunteers, Scout troops and members of the nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman joined the Alexandria Rotary Club earlier in the week in positioning the flags at the restaurant’s location along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
More than 200 flags were unfurled to set up the display, which will remain in place through July 11. Donations will also be accepted through that date.
“A QR code is available at Cedar Knoll for anyone interested in sponsoring a flag or wishing to donate directly to our cause,” Carmalt added. “Donations can also be made through our website.”
This year’s Flags for Heroes program has so far raised $30,000 which will benefit Alexandria Rotary Club community projects and provide direct financial support to more than 40 local charities and nonprofits.
Said Carmalt, “This project is representative of the very model of Rotary – Service Above Self.”
