A Personal Commitment with a Lasting Impact: Thank You, to the Burkemper Family Fund
Behind every meaningful community effort are people who decide that a cause matters enough to make it personal. John and Cindy Burkemper have made that choice for Flags of Valor, and John’s commitment goes back further than most.
John has been part of America’s Heartland Remembers and Flags of Valor since 2016 and over the past two years, he has been instrumental in fundraising, planning, and doing behind-the-scenes work that turns a vision into reality. That commitment extends into his professional life as well: John works at Grimco as Chief Strategy Officer, which prints and produces all of the signage used throughout the Flags of Valor memorial – the same signage that helps every visitor find a name, read a story and understand the sacrifice being honored.
As Field of Honor Sponsors of the 2026 memorial, The Burkemper Family Fund is now helping create a place where thousands of names and stories will be remembered on Art Hill. Their generosity supports the work required to prepare, install and care for the field while giving one row of 131 flags a dedicated place of recognition.
Row 14 represents far more than a number. It represents 131 individuals, 131 families and 131 stories of service and sacrifice. Visitors may arrive knowing one name and leave carrying many more. A child may ask a question. A veteran may pause beside a familiar branch or rank. A family may find comfort in seeing strangers stop to read their loved one’s story.
The support of the Burkemper Family Fund is a powerful reminder that philanthropy does not have to come from a corporation to shape an entire community experience – though in John and Cindy’s case, his generosity shows up in both places at once, from the boardroom of Grimco to their own personal gift. Personal commitment, sustained year after year, can help build a memorial, welcome a family and ensure that history is remembered with dignity.
We are grateful to the Burkemper family for standing with Flags of Valor from the beginning and for turning personal commitment into a lasting public tribute. Their kindness will be reflected in every flag placed, every story read and every quiet moment shared on Art Hill.
Learn more about the 2026 memorial at www.flagsofvalorstl.com.
