Hundreds of American flags were unfurled overlooking the Potomac River to kick off the 7th annual Flags for Heroes display June 29 on the grounds of Cedar Knoll Restaurant.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alexandria, the Flags For Heroes project provides community members an opportunity to dedicate a flag to honor a hero in their life. A card attached to each flag bears the name of the hero – a friend, family member, veteran, healthcare worker, first responder or other hero -- along with the name of the individual sponsor.

“I commend the Rotary Club of Alexandria for sponsoring this program,” said Jon Miller, who was visiting the display from Leesburg. “As a former Army reservist, I have such respect for our American Flag.”

Local Scout troops joined volunteers from the Alexandria Central Rotary Club, the Alexandria West Rotary Club and the Mount Vernon Rotary Club in positioning the flags at the restaurant’s location along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

More than 200 flags were unfurled to set up the display, which will remain in place through July 13. Donations will also be accepted through that date.

This year’s Flags For Heroes program has so far raised $30,000 which will benefit Alexandria Rotary Club community projects and provide direct financial support to more than 40 local charities and nonprofits.

www.alexandriarotary.org