MILLSBORO, Del. - In downtown Millsboro, there was a sea of red, white, and blue on Monday, as dozens of American flags filled the grassy area on Main Street. It was there that Christie Butterworth was taking a photo, and reflecting on her father Donald Twilford Collins.
"I came here to honor my father," she said. "He was a Korean War Veteran. And we put up a flag for him. And I came to see dad."
Butterworth is one of thousands participating in the annual "Flags For Heroes" program, organized by rotary clubs across the country, including dozens across Delmarva. For $50 people like Butterworth can sponsor a flag in the name of a loved one. The proceeds go back to the community, through rotary club programs.
"It does my heart good to know that he's out here," she said. "You know - And people should recognize that. People should stop by. They should see the flags."
Carlene Roche, from the Georgetown-Millsboro club said that the flags are meant to be a tribute.
"It's a reminder that Memorial Day is not about coleslaw and baked beans," she said. "And it's about those who have served our country. And who have died for our country."
Hundreds of these flags can be found in communities across the region, including Salisbury, Selbyville, Lewes, Harrington, Georgetown, Millsboro, and Wilmington.
Tamara Morgan, from the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club said that each of their more than 500 flags, lining the entryway of the Cape Henlopen High School, have a medallion on it listing who the flag is dedicated to. She said that the flags are not just reserved for military but anybody who could be considered a hero.
"You can drive by here any day," she said. "And there's someone out here reflecting, thinking about their loved ones... It's very special to our community. And we take all the money that we raise and we give it right back to the community. And they know that too."
Roche said that there is still more time to participate since people can sponsor flags until July 4th. Other clubs like Long Neck will be doing a flag display later in the year for Veterans Day.
Butterworth urged all to participate in the program.
"This is just our way of saying thanks," she said. "I wish there were many more flags out here. Because they deserve it."
