Albany Herald

ALBANY, Ga. -- The Southwest Georgia Exchange Club will hold its eighth annual Patriots' Field of Flags display Sept. 4-Sept. 12 on the acre lot west of the Albany Mall.

One thousand American flags will be hoisted on 8-foot poles, and Exchange Club officials are urging individuals, organizations and school classes to walk through the colorful and inspirational display.

"The flags are meant to honor those people who put their lives on the line every day to protect us," Exchange Club spokesman Marvin Mixon said. "It's also meant to honor their families because they are also making sacrifices."

The opportunity to honor an individual with one of the flags is available for a donation of $25. For that, one may have a tag placed on the flag flying in the field in honor of, or in memory of, a serviceman, veteran or other person involved in security.

There will be a musical concert featuring Jennifer Varnadoe on the field Friday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. The concert will be a tribute to Patsy Cline and honor those who have served under the flag.

On Saturday, Sept. 11, beginning at 11 a.m., in recognition and appreciation of military personnel, national security organizations and veterans, the names of Georgians who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan will be read.

This will be followed by a 21-gun salute and taps.

The commanding general of Marine Corps Logistics Command, Maj. Gen. James A. Kessler, will be Saturday's featured speaker.

Persons who make a donation for a flag may pick them up at the conclusion of Saturday's ceremonies. All funds collected will benefit local charities involved in the prevention of child abuse and the Georgia National Guard Family Resource Foundation.

For more information on the Field of Flags or to make a donation for a flag, contact Mixon at (229) 894-9578.