The hills surrounding the majestic Virginia War Memorial in downtown Richmond will again be covered in red, white and blue featuring nearly 12,000 miniature American flags for the 8th annual Hill of Heroes for two weeks – Friday, June 26 to Friday, July 10, 2026.

The flags will be placed to honor and remember the nearly 12,000 Virginia men and women veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our Nation in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and today’s Global War on Terrorism and whose names are inscribed on the walls of the Memorial’s Shrine and to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America.

Patriotic volunteers are needed to assist in placing the flags in the ground. This is an excellent way for community and veterans service organizations, civic, school and scout groups, students, employees of local businesses, government agencies, and even individuals to come together and honor those heroes who fought and died for our freedoms. Volunteers of all ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteers will gather to place the flags at 8 a.m., Friday, June 26 and are also needed to help retrieve the flags at 8 a.m., Friday, July 10. Flag placement and retrieval will take place rain or shine.

Additional volunteers are also needed on Monday, July 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to assist in the organizing and boxing of the miniature flags to be used for next year’s event.

Individuals and groups interesting in participating in the flag placement, retrieval and bundling can get more information at https://vawarmemorial.org/events/hill-of-heroes-flag-installation or by contacting Ben King at [email protected] or 804-786-2060.

 

“We invite everyone to come join us and help place the flags for the Hill of Heroes on June 26 and also to return to help retrieve and bundle the flags on July 10 and 13. We depend on the hundreds of volunteers who have joined us the past years to make this awe-inspiring event happen,” said Virginia War Memorial Operations Director Ben King. “We also appreciate the support of our partners, the staff and donors of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation for making this event possible."

The Virginia War Memorial is located at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Free parking available onsite. For directions and more information, visit www.vawarmemorial.org or www.dvs.virginia.gov.