Hawk's Avenue of Flags fly for Veterans Day

Hawk’s Avenue of Flags will be going up on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 beginning at 8 a.m. at Monument Hill Cemetery.

The memorial was created in memory of Airman First Class Donald L. “Hawk” Hawkins, by his wife Betty Hawkins and daughter Julie Lehman, but it is for all veterans. Monument Hill Cemetery was chosen because it is where Hawk was laid to rest. Hawkins and Lehman want to memorialize and honor all veterans and their sacrifices, and continue to spark patriotism in the community.

The flags were displayed earlier this year for Memorial Day. There are now 72 flags included in the display. Each one is a memorial for a veteran and includes a placard with the veterans name on it. A video has been posted to You Tube with additional details. Search for Hawk’s Avenue of Flags.

The Hot Springs County High School ag shop class students have been making plugs to protect the flag pole bases at the cemetery from filling with the debris.

A 50/50 cash raffle fundraiser for Hawk’s Avenue of Flags is going on now through mid December. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 with 50 percent of the money collected going to Hawk’s Avenue of Flags and 50 percent going to the winner. The drawing will be held on Dec. 17. Need not be present to win.

No veteran’s family will be turned away if they cannot afford a spot in the Avenue of Flags, but donations are appreciated and welcome. The cost for the pole to hang the flag, including the engraved placard with the veteran’s name, is about $100. Those families who want to purchase an additional flag so they can keep the original casket flag as a memento can do so for $65. To purchase a flag in memory of a veteran, contact Farmer’s Insurance at 864-2598 or VFW Post 2281 at 864-2686.