The funeral home puts on the display to raise money to give to local veteran’s organizations, including the Tuskegee Airmen and Wagging Warriors, through sponsorships of flags.
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Sponsorship for three flags is $250, and a contribution of $2,500 sponsors 25 flags.
The owner of the funeral home, Frank Lewis said there are both business and individual sponsorships.
“We’ve raised over $50,000 to date,” he said.
Jackson, Lytle and Lewis also offered a new, free program this year to kick off the display called, “Lunch with a Veteran” that was held on Wednesday afternoon.
Each of the 19 tables that were set up, were adorned with a red star in the center. A local veteran was positioned at each table. Guests could have lunch and interact with the veterans about their time in the service.
“They get to know some of our local veterans, and hopefully share their appreciation for what they’ve done for us,” Lewis said.
A vintage army truck was also on display Wednesday, as well as a “missing man” table with a single red rose and a Bible.
The Bible belonged to Sarah Tackett’s father, who was a WWII veteran.
“I’ll tell you this Bible is very special to me,” Tackett said through tears.
The table shared information on and memories of fallen and missing service members.
Lewis said he first learned of the idea for an Honor Field through a magazine.
The Colonial Flag Foundation is the national entity that helps to orchestrate displays across the county. The first display in Sandy, Utah, was organized to put a picture to the loss of life on Sept. 11, 2001 and has expanded from there, according to the foundation’s website.
All materials for the displays are facilitated through Colonial Flag, and the foundation also acts as a go-between for donations from the funeral home to the charitable organizations.
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There were about 25 volunteers who helped with Wednesday’s set up, Lewis said.
Lewis said a lot of people, young and old, stop to take pictures and admire the display.
“We have people stop by all hours of the day and night. The flags are lit at night, so it’s a different experience,” he said.
The memorial area will be open 24 hours a day and admission is free.
The Life Celebration Center is located at 2425 North Limestone St.
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