Patriotism will be flying high in Fayetteville this Memorial Day. Organizers are setting up a “Field of Honor” that will have hundreds of flags on display.
FAYETTEVILLE -- Eight flags already stand on the grounds of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. They will be joined by about 1,200 more by Memorial Day. The “Field of Honor” will provide a visible display during the Glory Days celebration of how the community stands by Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base
It's much like how military spouse Kara Hollingsworth stood beside her husband, Staff Sgt. Donte Hollingsworth, on Wednesday as he prepared for his fourth deployment.
"I bought him a flag to honor him because I am extremely proud of him,” Hollingsworth said. “He's never, a day through this whole ordeal, complained or had anything to say other than it's just what I have to do."
Hollingsworth is one of several individuals who have bought flags in honor of a service member. Organizers have sold about 300 flags and collected about $11,500 from corporate sponsors.
During the month of April, they will focus on selling individual flags for $25 each that people can buy in honor of someone. The money will go to Fayetteville Cares, a charity that focuses on helping service members and their families.
"What we want to do is be able to use the proceeds to help benefit and extend the vision of Fayetteville Cares,” said chairman Kirk deViere.
The flags are 3 feet by 5 feet and will stand 8 feet tall in Festival Park, Freedom Memorial Park, and on the grounds in front of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. They will be set up on May 9 and remain on display through Memorial Day.