Spring of 2001, A small group of veterans became concerned with the lack of patriotism in our community, sparse attendance at Memorial Day & Veterans Day parades and ceremonies. Several ideas were discussed to somehow bring patriotism back to our town, then the tragic events of September 11th changed everything. and so from that tragedy, the Fifty American Flags Living Memorial became a reality.
On May 18th, 2002 Armed Forces Day, the Fifty American Flags Living Memorial was present to the community in a day long display at the site of the Moving Wall Memorial in Bloomington, Illinois. 
Thanks to the support of generous sponsors, veterans groups and patriotic citizens the Fifty Flags is displayed throughout Central Illinois at Civic displays, parades and veterans affairs. Communities throughout Illinois have used the Fifty Flags as part of their special events 
Senators John Maitland, Bill Brady and representative Dan Brady made it possible to add Fifty State flags as an accompaniment to the Fifty American Flags...displayed together this is an awesome symbol of patriotism!
