They Stand Tall
When we stand atop Art Hill in Forest Park and take in the awe-inspiring view, we remember. We once again see what we can never unsee or unfeel. Those of us who lived through the tragedy of 9/11 are rushed back to the spot we stood when we were shaken by the unthinkable news. Though it happened hundreds of miles away from St. Louis, here, we watched as the images on the TV worsened with every minute. The ash. The fear. The horror of the billowing, black smoke.
Appropriately, the memorial is a solemn experience. Overwhelming rows of flags stand tall, equidistant. Each pays proud tribute to a person taken too soon – those who have courageously fought the War on Terror since. As we stand motionless, we hear the whisper of our country’s flags waving gently in the wind. The clinking of dog tags asking to be read, to be remembered.
Art Hill at Forest Park, STL • September 4th - 12th, 2021
Join us on Art Hill from September 4-12, 2021 to remember—and to share with those who are too young to remember—that freedom comes at a price. Together, we can honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe.
Event Details
A lot goes into this, and we’re proud to do it.
Upon seeing the display on Art Hill, the unanimous first reaction is, “wow.” Next, the question becomes, “how long does it take to create?” While installing over 7,000 flags surprisingly only takes a few hours, planning begins a full year in advance and requires more than 500 volunteers working in well-organized teams of twenty. In total, this effort requires:
- 21 tons of material
- 11 miles of flag rows
- 10 acres
- 15,240 rubber bands
- 3,000 feet of plastic tubing
- 7,620 ten-foot poles
- 500 selfless volunteers
What is Flags of Valor?
A weeklong event held at Art Hill in Forest Park to honor the victims of 9/11, the first responders who lost their lives and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe fighting the War on Terror.
Who can attend?
People of all ages are welcome. There is an educational opportunity for young people to learn about the events that occurred on 9/11 and the War on Terror.
When can you come?
Forest Park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You are welcome to come at any time during the park’s open hours.
We Are Thankful
This event would not be possible without the tireless work of the many individuals who join together to place every flag on behalf of these brave men and women, so we pause to acknowledge their contributions. We also humbly thank our corporate partners who have so generously joined the effort to keep these memories alive. Your assistance makes this event a reality.
To become a corporate sponsor, email us:
Every Picture Tells a Story
In 2011, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, 2,977 flags were placed to represent the individuals and first responders who died as a result of the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and those on Flight 93.
In 2016, on the 15th anniversary of 9/11, 6,869 flags were placed on Art Hill to honor the service members who have died in the War on Terror.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. For this event, our volunteers will be making every effort to get the flags to the families of the heroes. A flag sponsorship is a monetary donation to assist us in this effort and also for the benefit of our partner charities.
Please submit your contact information using the Gold Star Families page of the website.
While we would love to have additional flags for family members, there will only be one flag available per family.
At this time, we have plenty of volunteers to help us set up and run this event. We invite you to join us during the week of September 6th and consider sponsoring a flag.
Yes. America’s Heartland Remembers is a 501(c)(3).
Flags of Valor will be open to the public during the hours that Forest Park is open (6 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily).
This event will only take place on Art Hill at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
Yes, but per City Ordinance, pets are required to be on leashes.
Yes. Art Hill within Forest Park is patrolled by the St. Louis Police Department and by Park Rangers.
Yes, and encouraged! We would love to see your photography! Please email them to: hello@flagsofvalorstl.com We might even feature them on our website and/or social media, giving credit of course.
