The Arlington Memorial Gardens will once again create a “Field of Memories” to serve as a special area of tribute and to foster appreciation for the men and women who have defended our nation and preserved our freedom. Arlington is selling 3’ x 5’ flag dedications to both individuals and corporations wishing to honor their loved ones, to be installed and raised over 10 acres during Memorial Day weekend beginning Thursday, May 24 at 9 a.m. The “Field of Memories” faces Ronald Reagan Highway and the display is licensed through the Colonial Flag Foundation.

“Last year we sold more than 600 flag dedications, but during this third year of the event, we hope we can get that number closer to 1,000 by Memorial Day weekend,” says Arlington’s President Dan Applegate. The flags are raised and lighted atop 7’ poles and on display for the public beginning Thursday, May 24, continuing through Tuesday, May 29.

While this memorial is especially poignant for veterans, it’s a tribute that is open to non-veterans also. The flags can be dedicated to any individual whether living or deceased, that has played an important part in someone’s life. The net proceeds from the flags will be donated to the “Operation Ramp It Up For Veterans,” which builds and installs mobility ramps for veterans. The organization is funded by The UPS Foundation as well as by corporate and private donations.  UPS employee volunteers and members of Team Fastrax will also donate their time to assist in the installing of the flags, a project that takes about four hours.

The pricing for flag dedications is $35.00 for each 3’ x 5’ flag. Corporate packages with multiple flags are also available. The flags will be adorned with distinct colors of ribbons signifying whether the honoree is: buried at Arlington, a veteran, serving on active duty, or is a first responder or public servant. As a token of appreciation for supporting the Field of Memories, each purchaser will receive a commemorative keepsake.  To purchase a flag dedication and to get a complete schedule of planned activities and ceremonies, please visit www.amgardens.org, call 513-521-7003 or stop by in person at The Arlington Memorial Gardens located at 2145 Compton Road.

In addition to the “Field of Memories,” Arlington is also hosting the photographic exhibit Remembering Our Fallen, a memorial that honors the close to 7,000 sons and daughters whose lives have been lost since 9/11 in the War on Terror.  The display consists of over 30 Tribute Towers supporting double-sided and full color banners.  Each Tribute Tower is 10 feet high and 5 feet wide and includes both military and personal photos of our country’s fallen heroes. The memorial opens at 9 a.m. on Friday May 25, and continues through Monday, May 28. For more information visit www.rememberingourfallen.org.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 25, Team Fastrax, a Professional Parachute Team, will perform their patriotic flag jump with landing next to the “Field of Memories.”  Team Fastrax will be followed by a concert featuring DV8 and the evening will be capped by a Fireworks Display.

On Sunday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m., Arlington hosts its annual “Lunch With A Veteran” and Flag Raising Ceremony.  Featured guest speaker this year is PG Gentrup.

All events are free and open to the public.