Vouchers for Veterans and the City of Rochester are excited to announce that heroism will be on display this Memorial Day weekend (May 24–26, 2025) on the Rochester Common. Flags of Honor is a stirring and unforgettable exhibit featuring 550 full-size American flags displayed within and around the ⅓-mile oval park, each flag dedicated to an individual veteran.
This free public event will open on Saturday, May 24, and remain accessible until its dismantling on Tuesday morning, May 27. The display draws thousands of visitors who come to pay their respects to the brave men and women who have served our country.
Each evening at 7:00 p.m., buglers will play taps and a bagpiper will walk among the field of flags while playing. Of the 550 American flags on display, 200 will be dedicated by local businesses in memory of individual New Hampshire and Maine Vietnam veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The remaining 350 flags will be dedicated to American veterans of your choosing.
Each flag will feature a laminated card containing the name, branch, rank, and insignia of the honored veteran, attached to the flagpole with a yellow silk ribbon. At the bottom of each card will be the name of the business or person(s) dedicating the flag.
On Monday, May 26, the Rochester Memorial Day Parade will conclude at the Rochester Common at approximately 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by a Memorial Day ceremony. The Rochester Veterans Council and American Legion Post 7 will open the ceremony with the presentation of colors, followed by the laying of wreaths for each branch of the military. Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan will welcome attendees and provide opening remarks. The keynote speaker will be Retired Navy Captain Michael Lane.
Vouchers for Veterans founder Jeanne Grover is overjoyed to bring the event back for its fifth year.
“Every year, we witness several people wiping away tears as they stroll among the field of flags, reading names on each card. We are so grateful to the City of Rochester for partnering with us so that this display is available for the community.”
Executive Director Morgan Morani invites all to attend. “It truly is a wonderful and heartwarming event that captures the sacrifices and spirit of all who have served our country.”
Honor a veteran’s service with a dedicated flag at this year’s event: There’s still time to show your gratitude and make a meaningful tribute. Visit vouchersforveterans.org to dedicate a flag today. You can complete the process online or download a form to print and mail in. The deadline to dedicate a flag is May 15th.
All proceeds from this event go directly toward providing fresh, local food to veterans in New Hampshire and Maine, sourced from the very farmers who call these communities home.