Tribute to Heroes & Flag Raising
Tribute to Heroes & Flag Raising Ceremony
Celebrating community heroes
July 1, 2025 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Veterans Memorial Building: 50 2nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Another Freedom Festival favorite is back in 2025! Our Tribute to Heroes Breakfast will be returning to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum on July 1st! Doors will open at 7:30 AM. The ceremony and breakfast will begin at 8 AM and will conclude at 9 AM. Following the ceremony, join us outside the Vets Building for our Flag Raising Ceremony on Mays Island!
Our Tribute to Heroes event is designed to celebrate the remarkable contributions of local heroes who have made a positive impact on the lives of others. From courageous first responders to compassionate volunteers, these individuals embody the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the community. Come join us July 1st to enjoy a delicious breakfast from Hy-Vee and help us honor our heroes!
We will be honoring 4 community heroes at our Tribute to Heroes Breakfast.
Entry: The Breakfast is a ticketed event to attend. The Flag Raising Ceremony following the Breakfast is free to attend.
Purchase a seat for yourself or bring some family and friends and get a table (seats 8).
Meet this year’s heroes!
Brian Eschen
Brian is a Navy and Army veteran and a retired VA electrician with over 35 years of experience. He founded the Vets Disc Golf Club and serves on multiple boards supporting veterans and his community. He has volunteered for over nine years with The Freedom Foundation and leads recovery and support programs for veterans. Brian is married with two daughters and enjoys disc golf, music, martial arts, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
John Thompson
A U.S. Army veteran from Marshall, Texas, he served in the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment from 2007 to 2012, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning home with combat injuries, he faced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. In 2019, he and his wife Misti founded Salute to the Fallen, a Cedar Rapids nonprofit supporting veterans and their families with crisis care, mental health resources, and peer support. They’ve escorted over 400 funerals, helping ensure no veteran ever walks alone.
Anne Dugger
Anne Dugger has spent the past 10 years at the Catherine McAuley Center in various leadership roles. She holds a Master’s in Teacher Leadership from Mt. Mercy University. Passionate about serving Cedar Rapids, Anne is proud to support the Center’s mission of offering hope and opportunity to the community.
Matt Kunkle
*in memoriam - Matt Kunkle was a hero to many as he saved lives being a paramedic and a fireman. He was a family man, a man of God, lover of Harleys, classic cars (mainly mustangs), outdoors, animals of all kinds, history, Disney and traveling. Turning wrenches was practically his hobby since birth. He was a true “girl dad” and his life was guided by his passion for helping others, and his deep love for his family and animals. He was one hell of a prankster and had a knowledge for anything you can imagine. His heart was big, his laugh unforgettable, and his legacy one of strength, kindness, and deep devotion. He had a heart of gold and is one of those souls that you only come across once in a lifetime.
Schedule of Events
7:30 AM - Doors open
8:00 AM - Breakfast and ceremony begin
9:00 AM - Breakfast and ceremony end
9:15 AM - Flag Raising begins
9:30 AM - Flag Raising ends
