Avenue of Flags
The Avenue of Flags stands as a symbol of our proud heritage of service and our precious American freedom.
This concept became reality on Memorial Day 1987, when 80 casket flags were donated to VFW Post 3838 by the families of deceased service members. Located in Cape County Park North, the Avenue of Flags is designed to commemorate and honor their memory – and serve as a lasting and brilliant symbol of our proud heritage of service.
Each flag represents a Cape Girardeau County resident who has served their country and either died in the line of duty or post service. The flags fly on dedicated holidays to ensure that their service, sacrifice, and memory are not forgotten. The spectacular display also serves as a bold and undeniable statement to all generations of something much bigger than ourselves; together, united as one nation, we can prevail and preserve our great American freedom and way of life.
The collection of over 600 flags serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dedicated individual service and of our collective national pride.
Please click here to request a flag for a Cape Girardeau County Veteran.
We Need Your Help
The Avenue of Flags is managed through a coordinated effort between VFW Post 3838 and the Cape Girardeau County Commission. However, the funds necessary to support and maintain the program come strictly from generous donations. Post 3838 manages donations through a dedicated account for the Avenue of Flags and helps ensure its preservation for many years to come. Your donation will be used exclusively for this program.
Please send donations to:
VFW POST 3838
ATTENTION: AVENUE OF FLAGS
1049 N. KINGSHIGHWAY
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO 63701
For detailed questions about assisting with the Avenue of Flags Program or about veteran eligibility:
DAVE CANTRELL (CHAIRMAN)
DJCANTRELL28@GMAIL.COM
573-270-5525
The Flag Code
The Flag Code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, and contains specific instructions on how the flag is and is not to be used.
The flag should:
- never be dipped to any person or thing.
- only be flown upside down only as a distress signal.
- not be used as a drapery, for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on top.
- never be used for any advertising purposes. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
- not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations.
- never have placed on or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
- never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag, it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is worn, it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, and should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
