The “Field of Flags” Display — an array of 660 American Flags honoring Veterans impacted by mental health struggles and suicide — is on display at Fort Wright City Hall through a collaborative effort involving the Fort Wright City Council, NorthKey Community Care, and regional veteran support organizations.
The Field of Flags was set on the grounds of City Hall, located at 409 Kyles Lane, in a triangular pattern to further demonstrate honor, respect, and remembrance of Veterans and their family members. The city is inviting visitors visit the display and also its Veterans Memorial Garden to pay their respects at their convenience.
According to a 2023 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 660 Veterans attempt suicide each day. Each individual flag in the display represents one of those individuals and serves as a visual reminder of the unseen challenges many Veterans continue to face after their military service ends. NorthKey, the community mental health center for the eight-county Northern Kentucky region, provides mental health support to Veterans.
“Veterans have endured and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms,” said Del-Vecie Brown the CCBHS project director at NorthKey. “They come back carrying wounds that aren’t visible to the naked eye. It’s important that we do not turn our backs on them and to let them know there are resources out there to help them.”
Mayor Dave Hatter said he, and all members of the Fort Wright City Council, are honored to included the display as part of our upcoming Memorial Day Observances.
“Memorial Day is a solemn and sacred reminder that generations of Americans have been willing to sacrifice everything: birthdays, anniversaries, time with loved ones, careers, personal safety, and in too many instances, even their lives, so that the rest of us can live freely” Hatter said. “For many Veterans, those sacrifices do not simply end when their military service concludes. As a community, we must continue supporting them and their families in every way possible.”
City of Fort Wright