Organizers will finish installing 1,111 American flags in Oak Point Park as part of Plano’s Flags of Honor.
The weeklong event, which runs Nov. 7-14, is put on through a partnership between Plano Flags of Honor Rotary Community Corps and the city of Plano. It will be held at Red Tail Pavilion at Oak Point Park.
The overview
At this year’s event, each of the 1,111 American flags will have a dedication card that tells the story of a veteran, active-duty service member or first responder from the Civil War to the present day, according to a news release.
“Every one of these 1,111 flags carries a name and a story,” Event Co-Chair Lisa Bloomer said in the release. “For 10 years, this field has given Plano a place to say thank you. In America’s 250th year, it reminds us that our freedom has always depended on ordinary people willing to serve. We invite everyone to walk the field, read the stories and stay for Taps at dusk.”
Throughout the weeklong event, there are several activities planned, including a 5K, a Veterans Day ceremony and car shows. For the second consecutive year, there will also be a Texas Medal of Honor Circle and Collin County Fallen Hero Display, per the news release.
According to the website, activities include:
Nov. 7: Patriots Run 5K and Fun Run, with the fun run starting at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m.
Nov. 7: Plano Safety Fair and Touch-a-Truck from noon-4 p.m.
Nov. 8: Colors of Courage Ceremony at noon
Nov. 11: Veterans Day flag raising at 8 a.m.
Nov. 14: Closing ceremonies including Quilts of Valor presentations, the Plano Civic Chorus and Plano Children’s Chorale and a Scouts Flag Retirement Ceremony at sunset
Flags of Honor also includes the Stars & Stripes and Vettes 4 Vets car shows, a Marine Corps birthday celebration and a Patriot PAWS service dog demonstration.
What else
The field was first raised in 2017, per the news release, and it involves more than 300 volunteers. Ean Sullivan, founder of the Plano Flags of Honor, said the experience at Flags of Honor differs based on the time of visit.
“There are misty, still mornings, flags whipping in the afternoon wind, the shared presence of a crowd during a program and at night, the soft chime of dog tags in the dark,” Sullivan said in the release. “The field is open around the clock, so visit often, because each moment honors them in a different way.”
