From November 4 through November 11, 2025, a powerful display of U.S. flags will fly in solemn formation on Utica’s Memorial Parkway. This remarkable display, organized by the Good News Center (GNC), local veterans
organizations and Sitrin Health Care Center, will unite our community as a heartfelt tribute to honor our heroes. Each flag symbolizes an individual with the opportunity to sponsor a flag in memory or honor of someone special for only $40. This event will enable us all to remember and celebrate those who have served and are serving. The U.S. flag represents our unity and shared commitment to building a brighter future together. This moving exhibition is a gift to our community, made possible by generous donations, sponsorships, and the hard work of dedicated volunteers.

“I truly appreciate The Good News Center’s hard work and thoughtful appreciation for our military veterans.” Said Richard Smith, Facilitator of “Veterans 4 Worship Program”, at GNC. “I am absolutely in awe when I drive by the field of waving U.S. flags representing men and women who have served our county with valor, courage, and sacrifice.”

Everyone in the community is encouraged to visit our Flags for Heroes Healing Field patriotic display and walk among the flags that memorialize and/or honor our heroes. “The Flags for Heroes on the Parkway is deeply meaningful to me and to many veterans because of the powerful symbolism it carries. Each veteran who sees these flags holds their own memory or meaning in their heart, but together the sight of thousands of flags waving is overwhelming in the best way—it connects us more deeply to what they represent.” Said Marine, Dan Clark, “Unlike flags on houses, buildings, or at sporting events, this display is uniquely personal. Each flag is dedicated to a service member, whether living or honored in memory, by family, friends, or comrades. For me, it began with my mother, who always dedicated a flag for me, as well as for her father, Raymond Freytag—an Army veteran—and my father’s father, Ralph Clark—an Air Force veteran. Since my mother’s passing, my wife has carried that tradition forward.” Clark continued. “This event ties together my service, my family, and the generations who came before me. It reminds us that our mission at home is as important as the one we carried overseas. And my hope is that it inspires future generations to guard our country and its values with the same pride and attachment we feel when we see the Flags for heroes.”

All proceeds from the Flags for Heros Event will benefit Sitrin’s Military Program. The Program is designed to treat veterans and service members experiencing physical, emotional, and cognitive issues. The program is different from conventional veteran care, personalizing treatment options and social activities based on each individual’s needs and interests. Those who have experienced traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, amputations, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and other symptoms have benefited from Sitrin’s unique approach to care.

Join us for our Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, November 8 at Utica’s Parkway Recreation Center at 3 pm. Our guest speaker this year will be Major General Peter Lennon, US Army, Retired. Peter Lennon is a native of New Berlin, New York. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Elaine of Little Falls, NY, returned home to New Berlin. In 2021, he was written-in to serve as the Village’s mayor and was re-elected in both 2023 and 2025. In 2022, he was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

Lenon was the founding director of the Chenango County United Way’s Micro-loan Program and is on the boards of Good Shepherd (Senior) Communities, Commerce Chenango, “Feed Our Vets”, and the national “Our Community Salutes” program.

de la Herencia Hispana de 2025!