Flags for Heroes 2025

Join The Good News Foundation from November 4 through November 11, 2025, for our 11th Annual Flags for Heroes event. A powerful panorama of 1,000 U.S. flags fly in solemn formation on Utica's Memorial Parkway.

Each flag symbolizes an individual with opportunities to sponsor a flag in memory or honor of someone special for only $40. This event is the perfect chance for us all to remember and celebrate those who have served.  This moving exhibition is a gift to our community, made possible by generous donations, sponsorships, and the hard work of dedicated volunteers. Consider showing your support by sponsoring a flag or becoming a corporate sponsor.

We invite everyone to visit our Flags for Heroes Healing Field® patriotic display and walk among the flags that memorialize and/or honor our heroes.

All proceeds 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 Sergeant Rick Yarosh, US Army, Retired. Sergeant Yarosh was on a patrol in the Abu Ghraib region of Iraq when the Bradley he was traveling in was hit by an IED. The blast ruptured the fuel cell and caused the vehicle to burst into flames. Rick suffered burns over more than half his body, had his right leg amputated below the knee and lost the use of his hands.

Now retired from the Army, Rick gives inspirational talks around the country and has spoken to over a million people to date. He speaks about hope, and the ability to get through anything with a positive attitude. He wants to present his unique message of hope to everyone.