Field of Flags in Veterans Park honors Wisconsin service members killed in action

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Milwaukee County War Memorial Center is bringing back an important Memorial Day tradition for the sixth year, and if you're going past the city's lakefront, you can't miss it.

A total of 27,316 American flags are placed in Veterans Park, representing every Wisconsin service member killed in action since the Civil War.

"It's very impactful and special to us, because it's a visual reminder of the high price of freedom," said Andy Gordon, chairman of the War Memorial Center's Board of Trustees.

Six-hundred volunteers worked since Monday morning to put out the flags near the Southeast Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the park.

The last four flags were placed by Gold Star family members during a ceremony Friday, which began with a flyover by a T-29 Trojan aircraft from the Vietnam War.

Gordon said it's an important way to pay respects to those who sacrificed themselves for our country.

"Memorial Day weekend is more than just about barbecues and family time. It's about appreciating why we have the freedom to celebrate together," he explained.

The Field of Flags has been a Memorial Day weekend tradition in Milwaukee since 2020.

The flags will stay in Veterans Park through May 29.