Flags 4 Freedom

Next date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 09:00 PM to Monday, July 06, 2026 | 05:00 PM June 27 – July 6, 2026 Each year around the Fourth of July, Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area transform into a breathtaking sea of red, white, and blue. Hundreds of United States flags are proudly placed at the Merriam Marketplace and along Merriam and Johnson Drive, creating a powerful display of patriotism and community spirit. Originally created by local residents, Flags 4 Freedom continues to thrive thanks to dedicated volunteers who bring this tradition to life. We invite you to stop by during the week of July 4 to walk among the flags, reflect, and enjoy this inspiring tribute to our nation. Saturday, July 4 at 2 p.m. Merriam Marketplace, 5040 Merriam Drive Celebrate the Fourth of July with a Patriotic Concert! The American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City will fill the air with powerful, patriotic music as we celebrate America 250—honoring 250 years of our nation’s history, resilience, and spirit. Bring your family and your patriotic pride for a concert that will have you feeling inspired and uplifted. We'll have chairs set for the first 250 guests. Let’s celebrate together—loud, proud, and red, white, and blue! Honor Someone Special with a Dedication Ribbon As part of the Flags 4 Freedom display, community members are invited to dedicate yellow ribbons in honor or memory of loved ones. Each ribbon can be dedicated with a donation of $15. All dedication ribbons will be listed in the official Dedication Book under the last name of the person being honored, and the donor’s name will also be included. Ribbons that remain in good condition will be preserved and displayed in future years, allowing your tribute to continue as part of this cherished tradition. Donations of any amount are appreciated and help support the ongoing care, maintenance, and impact of this meaningful community event. Yellow Ribbon Dedications We need volunteers to create this wonderful community event! Questions? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Rowe Volunteer Application Help Keep a Merriam Tradition Thriving! Flags 4 Freedom began as a community‑driven effort—and it still relies on passionate residents to keep it strong. We’re looking for dedicated committee members to help coordinate volunteers, recruit sponsors, manage ribbon dedications, oversee flag maintenance, and support all the moving parts that make this beloved display possible. If you care about community pride and want to make a meaningful impact, we’d love for you to join us! Planning Committee Application All proceeds from the Flags 4 Freedom sponsors go toward the replacement of flags. Become a Sponsor The Flags 4 Freedom flag display in Downtown Merriam was created by an enthusiastic group of local volunteers in 2006. It was the first-ever HEALING FIELD® in the State of Kansas. Over 1,200 flags were placed, and thousands of visitors came to experience the display over the three-day event. A patriotic program with a vintage warplane fly-over was conducted on July 4, 2006. In 2007, Shawnee volunteers joined the Merriam group, extending the flag display along Johnson Drive into downtown Shawnee. Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive, 66203, View Map 5740 Merriam Drive , 66203 Google Map Instructions Press arrow keys to pan Press plus or minus keys to zoom Shortcut keys Press M for roadmap view Press S for satellite view Press H for hybrid view Press T for terrain view Free Patriot Drake Walnut Grove RV Flag sponsorship Thorp Controls In-kind Audi Shawnee Mission Krispy Kreme Walgreens