The 30th annual Donald Jones Flag Memorial Day of Reflection and concerts was full of upbeat music and 65,000 flags memorializing Americans killed or considered missing in action during the Vietnam war.
All day the music flowed as fluidly as the people coming through to pay their respects to the memorial. Behind the tents set up by families and individuals enjoying a day of music, a constant throng of people moved about to visit the flag memorial.
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One of the men present at the day of reflection is Vietnam veteran Peter Flowers. Serving from 1969 until 1972, Flowers was in Vietnam between 1970 and 1971. “Anything that pays tribute to the fallen heroes is good,” Flowers explained.
“It’s a healing process, and no one should be ashamed to be a Vietnam veteran,” Flowers said. “A simple thank you means a whole lot,” Flowers mused.
Flowers has been coming to the Flag Memorial for about eight years. In addition to coming out to memorial events, Flowers is also part of Warriors’ Watch, an organization that works closely with other troop support organizations to provide motorcycle escorts for service men. According to Flowers, this type of treatment makes sure that no one comes home and feels unappreciated.
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The coin that the group gives to veterans is full of symbolism. “Never again will an American Warrior be scorned or ignored,” a card explaining the symbolism reads.
“[It’s a] magic coin. It’s something we give from our heart,” Flowers explained.
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According to Flowers, nearly everyone, himself included, had some sort of bad experience in coming home from the war. Warriors’ Watch tries to make sure that kind of thing never happens again, Flowers said.
“Hate the war, not the warrior,” Flowers said.
Flowers explained that days like today are important because it helps you to never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
