Buy flags for veterans

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor plans to line a scenic trail at Castaways Park with 1,776 American flags this month in honor of military veterans.

“It’s a way for us to pay tribute to all veterans, living or dead,” said Exchange Club member Ed Romeo, who is helping to organize the display.

The group chose to raise the flags in honor of year the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

The “Field of Honor,” as the Exchange Club has dubbed the project, is one of 16 similar efforts that will be sponsored by Exchange Clubs nationwide this year. Newport’s field of honor will be the first of its kind in Orange County.

Color-coded dots spray painted on the dirt along the trail mark where volunteers from local high schools and other volunteer groups will raise the flags in honor of Armed Forces Day on May 15. A yellow ribbon will be affixed to each flag and will bear the name of local veterans. Families can buy the flags in honor of a veteran for $45.

The flags will be on display at Castaways Park the second weekend in May. Docents at the park will help people find flags they have bought in honor of a veteran along a color-coded path at the park.

People who buy a flag can take it home, flag pole included, after the club holds a small ceremony in honor of the veterans at noon May 17.

Proceeds from flag sales will go to support charities that support military families.

The club has already sold about 500 flags in honor of veterans dating to World War I.

“Right now it’s important to respect and honor the military,” said Jerry Nininger, Exchange Club president. “It’s not pro-war, or anti-war, it’s strictly to honor our service men and women.”

Castaways Park is located at Dover Drive and Castaways Lane.

How To Help

For more information on the Field of Honor program and sponsorship opportunities, call (949) 613-3567 or e-mail exchangefieldofhonor@ yahoo.com.

Flags can be ordered at www.healingfield.org/ newportbeach. Flags may be claimed following closing ceremonies at Castaways Park at noon May 17.