Volunteers are Needed for a Beautiful Memorial Day Tradition in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids is preparing for their annual Avenue of Flags, and they could use some help!

The 2025 Avenue of Flags

Each Memorial Day Weekend, Cedar Memorial lines their streets with around 1,500 American flags, all donated by veterans' families. The flags will be on display beginning the morning of Saturday, May 24th through the evening on Monday, May 26th.

Volunteer Information

There are two different dates that Cedar Memorial needs volunteers. The first is Saturday at 8 a.m. Volunteers will be asked to help place around 8,000 flags on the graves of veterans in the cemetery, which can take anywhere from two to four hours. The more volunteers show up, the faster the process will be.

The Facebook event page also notes that, after the flag placement on Saturday, volunteers are welcome to enjoy a free catered lunch from LJ's Catering. It will be served in the upper level of the Family Center from 11:30 a.m. until noon.

If you can't make it Saturday morning, volunteers are also needed on Tuesday morning, May 27th at 8 a.m. to remove the flags. Anyone is welcome to come help on either day, no RSVP required! Just show up before 8 a.m. and follow the signs to the Cedar Memorial Family Center and Library "(turn right immediately upon entering the cemetery off of First Avenue)."

Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony

On Memorial Day Monday, Cedar Memorial will host a special ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. The Director of Linn County Veteran Services Dustin Peterson will be the featured speaker, and there will also be a rifle volley and the playing of Taps.

All you need to bring with you is a chair or blanket to sit on. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the tribute will be moved indoors. For more information, check out Cedar Memorial's official website HERE.

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