Haymarket, VA– When you see a field of American flags whipping in the wind, it can truly be a breathtaking sight. This Memorial Day, you will witness that view at Haymarket Park for the Gainesville Haymarket Rotary’s first annual Flags for Heroes event.
Flags for Heroes acknowledges those who put their lives on the line for others, including military members, police, EMTs, firefighters and other first responders. It includes people who have made a difference in a sponsor’s life.
“In a Service above Self-organization, this project allows us to honor the service of all the men and women who have served our community as educators, veterans and first responders and give back to the community through Semper K9 and our Rotary Foundation,” said Shannon Heath, president of the Gainesville Haymarket Rotary.
This year, GH Rotary has selected local nonprofit Semper K9 Assistance Dogs to be the beneficiary for their inaugural event. Semper K9 rescues dogs from local shelters and custom-trains them to be service dogs for wounded veterans at no cost. “We are honored to be selected by the Gainesville Haymarket Rotary,” said Christopher Baity, executive director. “We are thankful to have the support of our community, and that is one of the reasons we are successful in our mission.”
Donors pay $50 to sponsor a flag and designate the person they wish to honor, which is displayed on the flagpole. The flags are reused each year as the display grows. Flags are on display throughout the weekend, and organizers hope the community supports this event on an annual basis.
“The Flags for Our Heroes event gives the Town of Haymarket the opportunity to reflect on our hometown heroes as well as the many individuals everywhere that strive to protect, educate and inspire the lives of many,” said Town of Haymarket Mayor, David Leake.
Local dignitaries will be present at the installation ceremony, May 26, 2018. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 am. Flags will remain throughout the Memorial Day weekend and it is encouraged for community members to visit. If you would like more information on how you can sponsor this event, volunteer or sponsor a flag for your hero, please visit ghrotary.org and look under the tab “Flags for Heroes” or click here: http://squ.re/2G5OMHf
About the Gainesville Haymarket Rotary Club: Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self. The Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary club meets every Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM at Piedmont Clubhouse in Haymarket, VA. Coffee and fellowship will begin at 7:15 AM. Breakfast will be available starting at 7:30 AM after our opening activities.
About Semper K9: Combat veteran founded and operated, Semper K9’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for wounded, critically ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families by providing them assistance dogs. Using rescued and donated dogs we provide service dogs for psychiatric alert and mobility challenges free of charge to wounded service members. Visit semperk9.org for more information.
