Good News Foundation Honors Veterans With Flag Display
The 12th annual Flags for Heroes ceremony in Utica recognized active-duty military, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Good News Foundation held its 12th annual Flags for Heroes recognition ceremony at the Parkway Recreation Center in Utica. A display of 1,000 U.S. flags along Memorial Parkway honors service members and first responders through Veterans Day.
Why it matters
The event gives Utica residents a visible way to honor military service and fallen service members during the Veterans Day period. Proceeds raised through the program support Sitrin's military program, which rehabilitates veterans in the community.
The Flags for Heroes display features 1,000 U.S. flags honoring active-duty military, fallen service members, veterans and first responders, marking the 12th year of the event. The source does not report the funds raised or the amount directed to Sitrin's military program.
The players
Good News Foundation
A nonprofit organization that runs the Flags for Heroes event and directs proceeds to veteran support programs.
Roger Parrino
A retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey employee who received the NYPD Medal of Valor.
Brian Saville
The chief executive officer and executive director of the Good News Foundation.
The details
The ceremony included presentation of colors, patriotic songs by the New Horizons Chorus, a salute to the branches of the armed services and recognition of Gold Star families. Roger Parrino, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran who recently retired from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, served as keynote speaker.
Timeline
Sept. 11: Roger Parrino receives the NYPD Medal of Valor for actions taken that day.
Through Veterans Day: The 1,000 flags remain on display along Memorial Parkway.
Community Support Network
The Good News Foundation's Flags for Heroes funds flow to Sitrin's military program, which rehabilitates veterans in the community. The 12th annual edition extends that partnership into a recurring public display tied to Veterans Day.
Residents can view the 1,000 flags along Memorial Parkway through Veterans Day. The display offers a visible, free way to honor local service members and first responders.
The takeaway
Local recognition events like Flags for Heroes show how community donations can sustain veteran rehabilitation programs over time. Attending or supporting such events is a direct way for residents to contribute.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy coverage to see how local organizations raise funds for community causes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKTV NewsChannel2.
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