Flags of Freedom Dedications Support Local United Way Veteran Programs

WICHITA, Kan., May 5, 2025 – United Way of the Plains and IAM & AW District Lodge #70 are hosting their annual two-week display of 600 American flags to honor veterans this Memorial Day. Those who wish to pay tribute to a current or former member of the armed forces or honor the memory of a veteran may purchase a $30 dedication at unitedwayplains.org/freedom. Dedications include the honoree’s name, branch of service, rank and a short personal tribute, and certificates will be displayed with a flag. All dedication sponsorships will be posted to an online Veteran Dedication Wall located on the website and will remain in place through the 2025 Veterans Day holiday on November 11.

The annual fundraiser supports United Way programs assisting veterans with transportation, shelter, mental health care and other wrap around services. For example, a $30 dedication/donation provides a veteran 17 free rides per year on Wichita transit as part of the Veterans Ride Free program.

Tina, a local veteran commented on her experience with the program. “Veterans Ride Free has allowed me to get better access to the VA for my health. I have started to become more proactive in getting the help that I need. It has made it a lot easier for me to get to the grocery store. It really has opened up the city to me and my kids.”

This is the fifth year United Way of the Plains has partnered with area unions to honor veterans and service members with a flag display located in the field at IAM District Lodge #70 at 3830 S. Meridian Ave. (I-235 and S. Meridian Ave.). Area volunteers will assemble and place the flags in the field which will be on display from Monday, May 12, through Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. The public is encouraged to visit the site and participate in a public celebration and dedication that will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 1 – 1:30 p.m.

The public may purchase dedications through Monday, May 26. More information and a map showing the location of the field of flags site can be found on the United Way of the Plains website.

Special thanks to our 2025 sponsors:

• 6 Meridian
• Building & Construction Trades Council of Central and Western Kansas
• Dean E. Norris
• District Lodge 70
• Employees Learjet Care Fund
• Epic Insulation
• Foley Equipment
• IAM & AW Headquarters
• IAM & AW Local Lodge 639
• IAM 774
• IAM 839
• IBEW 271
• Kansas AFL CIO
• Najera Family Fund
• Operating Engineers #101
• Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 441
• Scheels
• SEIU
• Sheet Metal Workers #29
• Southern Star
• SPEEA
• Teamsters Local #795
• The Law Company
• Topeka Federation of Labor
• United Teachers of Wichita
• Wichita/Hutchinson Labor Federation

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MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Ward Lattin, Manager of Public Outreach and Community Engagement, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4224, swardlattin@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.