(Richmond, Va,) The hills surrounding the majestic Virginia War Memorial in downtown Richmond will again be covered in red, white and blue with nearly 12,000 miniature American flags for the Memorial’s 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 Virginians who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the Armed Forces of our Nation in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations during the Global War on Terrorism and whose names are inscribed on the walls of the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory.
Volunteers are needed to assist the Virginia War Memorial and Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) team members place the flags in the ground. This is an excellent way for community and veteran-service organizations, civic, school and scout groups, students, employees of local businesses and government agencies, and 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. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, bring gloves and apply sunscreen as needed.
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 here or by contacting Ben King at Benjamin.King@dvs.virginia.gov 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 the flags on July 10 and to organize and box the flags on July 13. We depend on the hundreds of volunteers who join us to make this awe-inspiring event happen,” said Virginia War Memorial Operations Director Ben King. “We also appreciate the support of our partners, local media, and the staff and donors of the nonprofit Virginia War Memorial Foundation, who help make this inspiring 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 .
About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The agency operates four long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries; and operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth, and Inspire Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is and will always be the Commonwealth’s tribute to those who served and most especially, to those who died defending our freedoms.
The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who have served in our military. It is located at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220 and is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, except for select events. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org.
