Please join the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival on June 14th as we honor our military and thank them for their service and sacrifice while retiring American flags. Ceremony will begin at 6 PM with the singing of the National Anthem and will conclude with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps. Names of Iowans who we have lost in 2023 will be read as flags are honorably placed on the fire to be retired.

When the United States flag becomes worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be “retired” with all the dignity and respect befitting as a symbol of our nation. Like a fallen soldier, a flag that is being retired must be handled with reverence and dignity. The traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag, but this does not mean we simply drop the flag into the fire. Instead, the flag, like that fallen soldier, will be properly encased and prepared for cremation and burial. Join us to honor our military and educate your family about the respectful retirement of our American flag.

The ceremony will return to Kirkwood Community College at the Linn Hall Parking lot. Take the main entrance to Kirkwood and the ceremony will be immediately to your right in the large parking lot. Freedom Festival 2022 buttons will be available for purchase. Chairs will be provided.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE: Kirkwood Community College, Am-Vets Post 6, Hy-Vee, KCRG-TV9, and KMRY