Spring Muster, Flags of Remembrance Saturday at battlefield

The Monroe News
Updated ·1 min read
Randy Long Jr., then 8, views the hundreds of American flags displayed in the field at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in 2019. Long saluted the flags dressed in his army fatigues. This year’s display at the battlefield will run May 20 through June 3.
Randy Long Jr., then 8, views the hundreds of American flags displayed in the field at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in 2019. Long saluted the flags dressed in his army fatigues. This year’s display at the battlefield will run May 20 through June 3.

Two events will take place Saturday at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitors Center, 333 N. Dixie Highway.

Spring Muster: Living History Encampment & Demonstration will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20.

“Experience history come to life as you walk through the 1812 encampment and displays, mini militia for kids and enjoy the variety of demonstrations, including black powder firing, period cooking, weaving, gunsmithing and more,” the battlefield said.

Admission is free.

The annual Flags of Remembrance Memorial also opens May 20 and runs through June 3.

“It is tradition at the battlefield to fly 500 flags to honor and remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation,” Doug Chaffin, chairman of the park’s Foundation, said. “Millions of Americans have fought and died on battlefields to defend our freedom and ensure our safety. The 2023 Flags of Remembrance Memorial is dedicated to all those who have answered the call of their nation to defend, protect and selflessly pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

The memorial is sponsored by the National Park Service, DTE Energy Foundation, First Merchants Bank, La-Z-Boy Incorporated, Kiwanis Club of Monroe, City of Monroe Firefighters, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Battlefield’s Boy Scout Troop 547.

For more information, visit nps.gov/rira/.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Spring Muster, Flags of Remembrance Saturday at battlefield