The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club Flags for Heroes is growing in only it’s second year. This year, flags will proudly fly again on the Shelton Riverwalk, and for the first time, also on the Derby Green. The Flags for Heroes will be presented from May 27th to June 15th. All flag sponsors and everyone in the community are invited to join the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club for a Flags for Heroes Ceremony on the Riverwalk on Saturday, June 10th at 11:00 am.
“My hero was nurse Bonnie from Bridgeport Hospital. She took care of my Dad during the beginning of Covid. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have had my last conversation with my dear Dad. She will always have a special place in my heart. I honored her with a flag last year,” said Flags for Heroes Committee Member Lucy Andrade.
Heroes may be veterans, current service members, first responders, public safety officials, teachers, coaches, essential workers, or family members. Heroes may also be single moms or dads, special grandparents, and even neighbors.
“I was struck with pride and joy and patriotism when my father-in-law was honored at the Wallingford Rotary Club Flags for Heroes program in 2021 for being a Marine. I knew we have many heroes that we need to honor in our communities, and this inspired me to bring this wonderful project here to The Valley,” said Linda Holmes-Hannon, Flags for Heroes Chairperson.
“The community response was amazing last year. I think everyone who saw the over 200 flags at the Riverwalk were moved. So many people wanted to support and honor the heroes in our lives last year during our first Flags for Heroes,” said Holmes-Hannon. Last year, over 200 flags flew at the Shelton Riverwalk. “We’ve had so many requests since last year, and we are looking forward to helping honor even more community heroes this year.”
Individuals and businesses can sponsor flags – from as little as $60 for one, to sponsoring many flags to honor their heroes. You may choose if you want your flag(s) to fly at the Derby Green or the Shelton Riverwalk. The following sponsorship levels are available:
$2,500 STARS & STRIPES SPONSOR: Honors 10 heroes. Includes 10 flags with medallions, 5 Heroes t‑shirts, recognition at event, on banner & social media posts if submitted by May 5th.
$1,000 FRIEND OF VETS SPONSOR: Honors 8 heroes. Includes 8 flags, medallions, 4 Heroes t‑shirts, recognition at event, on banner & social media posts if submitted by May 5th.
$500 MEDAL OF HONOR SPONSOR: Honor 6 heroes. Includes 6 flags, medallions, 3 Heroes t‑shirts, recognition at event, on banner & social media posts if submitted by May 5th.
$250 BETSY ROSS SPONSOR: Honor 4 heroes. Includes 4flags, medallions, 2 Heroes t‑shirts, recognition at event, on banner & social media posts if submitted by May 5th.
$60 INDIVIDUAL FLAG SPONSOR: Honor 1 hero. Includes 1 flag and medallion.
All funds raised by the program will go right back to the communities of Shelton and Derby through community grants, scholarships to Shelton High School and Derby High School seniors, and so many other community programs. The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club retains the flags for use at future events.
Visit the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club website to download an order form or purchase sponsorships online: www.derby-sheltonrotary.org, or contact Chairperson Linda Holmes-Hannon with questions and more information at [email protected] or 203 – 650-2391.
For high school students looking for community service hours, contact Lucy Andrade at [email protected] or 203 – 258-4519.
Formed in 1905, Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization with over 1.2 million members in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. The Rotary Club of Derby-Shelton serves Derby and Shelton with projects including Senior Salt & Sand, Dictionaries for Derby & Shelton 3rdGraders, the Liberty Thanksgiving Food Drive, scholarships, grants, and more. For more information, and for membership information, contact Betsey Doane at [email protected], visit www.Derby-SheltonRotary.org.
