Flags 4 Freedom

Next date: Saturday, June 29, 2024 | 07:00 AM to Saturday, July 06, 2024 | 10:00 AM

Rows of American Flags blowing in the wind from ground looking up to flags

Each year, Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area transforms into perfect rows of patriotic pride as Flags 4 Freedom volunteers place United States flags at the Merriam Marketplace and along Merriam and Johnson Drive. Everyone is invited to stop by during the week around the Fourth of July to view an astonishing display that honors our nation. 

In 2019, blue line flags were added to the flag fields to honor local Kansas police officers that lost their lives in the line of duty. Each flag represents and is dedicated to one of the fallen officers.  

Schedule of Events

June 29    Flag field opens
July 4  Patriotic Concert
July 6 Flag field closes       

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

We need volunteers to create this wonderful community event! 

  • Assisting in marking the flag fields
  • Installing flags
  • Removing the flags after the conclusion of the event. 

 Questions?  Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Rowe

Volunteer Application / Release Form

Flag Dedication / Yellow Ribbons

Dedication ribbons on flags Yellow ribbons can be dedicated for a donation of $15 each.

Ribbons in good condition will be retained for display in future years. 

 

Yellow Ribbon Dedications

Sponsors

Drake Develoment Logo

Sponsorship Opportunities

All proceeds from the Flags 4 Freedom event will go toward the replacement of flags

 Patriot Level     $1,000+

  • Event promotions*
  • Website

Liberty Level    $500+

  • Event promotions*
  • Website

Citizen Level    $250+

  • Recognition on event promotions*
  • Website

Flag Sponsorship    $100+

  • Recognition on website

 

*Deadline for inclusion in the event promotions is the last Friday of May

 

Event History

The Flags 4 Freedom flag display, celebrated with patriotic programs and ceremonies, is created by an enthusiastic group of local volunteers. Everyone is invited to stop by during the week of July 4th to view an astonishing display of patriotism and community pride.

In 2006, the first-ever HEALING FIELD® in the State of Kansas was hosted in downtown Merriam. Over 1,200 flags were placed, and thousands of visitors visited the display over the three-day event. A patriotic program with a vintage warplane fly-over was conducted on the 4th of July. In 2007, Shawnee volunteers joined the Merriam group, extending the flag display along Johnson Drive into downtown Shawnee.

All proceeds from the Flags 4 Freedom event will benefit the Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization created in 1988. The Foundation supports City of Merriam parks, recreation facilities, and programs. Fund raising proceeds directly finance: youth and adult programs scholarships, purchases of equipment, purchases of original works of art for city buildings, summer concerts in Merriam parks and the Tim Murphy Art Gallery.

Flags 4 Freedom flags are available for use by other organizations (although not during our annual flag display). The flags were safely stored and protected from weather at no charge for many years thanks to the generosity of Merriam Feed, Lawn and Garden.  The flags are now safely stored at the City of Merriam Public Works facility. For more information regarding how to utilize flags, please reference the Flag Usage Policy(PDF, 342KB) .

 

 

When

  • Saturday, June 29, 2024 | 07:00 AM - Saturday, July 06, 2024 | 10:00 AM

Location

Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive, 66203, View Map

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