60 Years. One Tradition. Spencer’s Memorial Day.

Honoring veterans through flags, forever.

Red starburst graphic on a black background.

The Avenue of Flags exists to honor and preserve the memory of U.S. veterans by collecting and displaying burial flags as a symbol of gratitude, sacrifice, and national pride. Through community support, volunteer service, and public education, we create a lasting tribute that connects generations and ensures the stories of those who served are never forgotten.

Indoor stage with American flags, a seated audience, and a band performing, possibly part of a patriotic event.

Flag Dedication.

Honor a Veteran with a Flag

Burial flags can be dedicated to the Spencer Avenue of Flags in honor of any U.S. veteran, no matter where they lived or are buried. Flags must meet specific size and standards, but if needed, a new one can be purchased directly through the Avenue of Flags committee. Each flag becomes a lasting symbol of the veteran’s service and sacrifice. Families always retain ownership of their donated flags and can reclaim them anytime.

To learn more about donating a flag, click below or contact a committee member.

Dedicate a Flag >

People placing American flags along a pathway in a cemetery, with tall trees and a blue sky with clouds.

Volunteer Events.

We Love Our Volunteers!

The Avenue of Flags is a volunteer-driven effort, with every aspect - from planning to execution - managed by dedicated individuals who generously give their time. Community members play a vital role by helping locate buried flagpole pipes, raise and lower flags, and spread the word about the need for more hands. Their efforts ensure the flags are displayed with care and reverence. New volunteers are always welcome, and their involvement is appreciated and essential to keeping this meaningful tribute alive.

To find out how you can get involved, click below or reach out to a current volunteer.

Volunteer>

A black and white photo of six men, mostly in business or casual attire, standing and sitting against a wooden wall with a visible plaque. The image has a vintage appearance.

The Founders.

Jerry Dean & Frank Thomas

The idea was sparked when Jerry Dean’s father, Ross C. Dean - a World War I veteran - passed away in August 1963. Friends from Red Oak, Iowa, where Jerry grew up, told him about Red Oak’s Coat of Honors, a program that displayed veterans’ burial flags on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Jerry visited Red Oak with his family on Veterans Day 1963 and was moved by the 157 flags displayed around the city square. Inspired, he felt that Spencer needed something similar.

Frank and Jerry have helped establish flag programs in LeMars, Estherville, Storm Lake, Ocheyedan, and Hartley.

Our History>

Metal tag hanging from a pole with text and an identification number; American flags in the background along a pathway.

Find a Flag.

Every Flag has a story.

When a burial flag is donated, it’s assigned a unique number and carefully entered into our digital database, which includes the veteran’s name, military branch, and the war or conflict in which they served. This thorough documentation ensures that each flag is honored with the respect it deserves. Each flagpole is labeled with an ID tag displaying the veteran’s name, birth and death dates, and service details - ensuring their legacy is honored with accuracy and respect. This detailed process helps preserve the stories of our veterans for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

If you need to find a flag record or general location of a flag, click below.

Find a Flag >

Quote about the Avenue of Flags as a tribute to military personnel, attributed to Rick Dean, AOF Board President, on a blue background.
Field of American flags under a blue sky with clouds
Group of people walking on a pathway lined with American flags on both sides in a park-like setting with lush green trees.
Quote on a blue background about community support and volunteers by Doug Alger, a long-time volunteer.
Multiple American flags displayed in a park with green trees and grass.
A stage with multiple American flags and a few people setting up or adjusting the flags. The stage has chairs and bunting decorations. There is a podium visible on the left side.
Quote about the Avenue of Flags symbolizing unity and remembrance in Spencer, attributed to Kellie Lowe, a third-generation volunteer, on a blue background.
Two people in a grassy field, one standing with a yellow stake, and the other crouching down, both engaged in examining the ground. Trees are in the background.
People setting up American flags on a grassy field, including an adult and a child.
Quote on a blue background honoring service members and their families, attributed to Melissa Girard, Third Generation Volunteer.
Group of smiling teenagers sitting on a parade float, holding American flags, wearing casual summer clothes.
Group of people posing outside with American flags in the background, next to a platform or stage.
Quote about Avenue of Flags by Mike Dean on blue background
Outdoor event with crowd seated on grass, surrounded by American flags, facing a stage covered with a red, white, and blue bunting. Trees and a clear sky in the background.
Large American flag on table with people organizing poles.