PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Rows and rows of American flags wave in the wind providing a stunning and powerful display of remembrance in the heart of Prescott Valley.
"Memorial Day is no longer picnics. It’s just remembering my boy, and I miss him," said Jodi Smith, mother of Jason Smith, 21, who was killed in combat on Dec. 31, 2004.
Jodi and her husband Glenn are among several military families, veterans, community members and local organizations to create a field of remembrance. Three hundred and thirty flags -- the majority with names of military members who died in action -- are on display and provide everyone an opportunity to give thanks.
"It helps me emotionally," said Sean Kriner, a Marine veteran who volunteered with planning and setting-up the flags. "All these flags represent someone that we’ve lost -- someone that was willing to die for his country, and a lot of them did."
This is the second year the flags were flying, and this year flags honoring the 19 fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots were also included.
"We lose sight of what the importance [of Memorial Day] is, and so many people go about their day and they do look at it like a holiday weekend," Glenn said.
Also part of the day's events was a 2 p.m. ceremony for the public to come and remember and give thanks on a day that is mixed with pride and sorrow for many families.
The flags will be on display through Tuesday morning at the Prescott Valley Civic Center, located at 7501 E. Civic Circle, Prescott Valley, Arizona.
