Rotary Clubs Support Local Military Veterans

Salisbury, Md. — The Rotary Clubs of Wicomico, Salisbury, and Salisbury Sunrise are in their tenth year of the Wicomico County Flags for Heroes program. The program helps recognize local heroes, first responders, veterans, and active military.

“Flags for Heroes is a tradition supported by many Rotary clubs across our nation,” said Donna Delfino, president of the Wicomico Rotary Club. “The Flags for Heroes display on Route 50 in Salisbury consists of 360 flags, and they are displayed from Memorial Day to Flag Day.”

The program began 10 years ago when the three local Rotary clubs joined forces. They were the first to organize such a display on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“What makes it so special, and for me personally, is the stories,” said Audrey Orr, past president of the Rotary Club. “We hear some extraordinary things. One member of our club lost three brothers in World War II.”

Many Rotary members have military connections, either through personal service or family members who served. The emotional impact of those experiences has built lasting relationships in and outside the club.

“The flags hold a very special meaning for me because I lost a brother in Vietnam and my father served in World War II,” Delfino said.

U.S. Kennels is one of the local organization they’ve helped, receiving $1,000 from the program.

Chris Hardy, a veteran and Executive Director of U.S. Kennels.  said, “The Rotary clubs, you know, the Flags for Heroes program has been awesome, they’ve been supporting us for years now, and we love it. Thank you, Rotary.”

The donation will help U.S. Kennels continue its work transforming shelter dogs into service animals for veterans.

Each year, Flags for Heroes raises between $3,000 and $5,000. This year, the funds were divided among four local organizations.

For  more information on Flags for Heroes, check out their website: https://www.flagsforheroes-lrrc.com/