BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com
The annual Memorial Day weekend Field of Flags celebration, postponed in the wake of COVID-19 public gatherings restrictions, has been rescheduled for July 1-5 on the Lowe’s YMCA grounds in Mooresville.
Since the first Field of Flags celebration in May 2016, the Exchange Club of Mooresville-Lake Norman event has grown each year. The organization partners with local businesses and organizations to show the community’s patriotism and to express appreciation for the soldiers who have fought and continue to serve to protect Americans’ freedoms.
The display normally concludes with a ceremony including a bag pipe rendition of Amazing Grace as well as each branch’s service song.
Each flag honors a servicemember. Their names and branches are recited to honor these heroes. Plans for a ceremony remain for July 5 remain pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions for large events.
This year’s main sponsor for the event is BestCo. More partnership opportunities are still available.
The group was invited to partner with the Lowes YMCA Independence Day celebration, which includes a fireworks show on July 3.
Flags are available for purchase by individuals and businesses to honor a veteran, first responder, or other hero. All flags are proudly displayed on the front lawn of the Lowe’s YMCA from July 1 through July 5.
This year organizers hope to exceed 600 flags.
To purchase a flag and support the event, visit https://www.mooresvillelknexchange.org/. The $35 kit has the flag, sturdy pole, and rebar. Purchasers can pick up their flags to fly at home or to gift to the honoree after the event ends on July 5.
The proceeds are equally divided among the Exhange Club’s four service areas: youth, Americanism, community service, and child abuse prevention.
The Exchange Club of Mooresville-Lake Norman is dedicated to serving the local community through various service and fundraising projects. The club has been in service to the local community for more than 25 years and is part of the National Exchange Club, an organization that has been serving children, local communities, and local heroes for over 100 years.
Prospective members are welcome to come join the group at one of its meetings or to volunteer for a service project. The club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 12 noon in historic Downtown Mooresville. Visit the organization’s website or Facebook page for more meeting info.
Since in-person meetings have been suspended the last few months, the group has focused on Zoom meetings, volunteering in food collection sites for the hungry, and helping the homeless through Watchman of the Streets drives.