Parkway South Freedom Memorial Wall

01/17/2026

Hello--I'm back! This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, with it is our Flags of Valor event in Forest Park at Art Hill. I am one of the key volunteers. Interest in joining a flag team to assemble, place and remove flags? Want to help pair dog tags and photos (through Manchester City Hall)? Please email me at [email protected] to be placed on a flag team.

Also, this is an event that costs approximately $1 million to pull off, but we also want to raise $1 million for vetted veteran charity. Do you have a business who can partner with us?

Below is more information, but reach out with any questions!

Flags of Valor honors the first responders and service members who bravely defended our nation with individual flags planted into the center of St. Louis’ Forest Park at Art Hill.

05/16/2023

Hey all! Hope you are enjoying the transition to summer. About 6-8 months ago I turned the reins over to another mom still at South. My daughter will graduate from the district this weekend so phased away from this program.

I am still very busy with the Flags of Valor (Flagsofvalorstl.com) program, and sometimes spend 5-6 hours a day volunteering. Unfortunately, I just don't have time for both.

11/11/2022

Can't make breakfast? Here are restaurants honoring YOU today!

Veterans Day is Friday. To celebrate, here are restaurants in the St. Louis area that will offer free meals for veterans.

11/11/2022

It's not too late! If you want a good breakfast, please stop by!

If you're an active military member or a veteran, stop by American Legion Post 208 on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11. Manchester Parks will hold a free Veterans Breakfast from 7-10 a.m., including sausage, eggs, pancakes and more. Pre-registration is not required.

09/14/2022

If you are in the area, I hope you consider attending.

The City of Manchester is hosting its annual POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony on Friday, Sept. 16 in Margaret Stoecker Park, located at 222 Henry Ave. It will begin at 10 a.m. and is free to the public. The event honors and remembers American service members who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.

Former Air Force lieutenant colonel and current Missouri Director of Revenue Wayne Wallingford will give a reflection speech on his military experience. Wallingford served in the Air Force from 1969-1993 and included five tours in Vietnam and six tours in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During his career, Wallingford flew more than 300 combat missions and was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, 21 Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal for Heroism among other honors.

As part of the ceremony, there will be a “missing man table,” which honors the missing veterans who are still with us in spirit. Also included will be a wreath laying, playing of Taps and a proclamation read by Mayor Mike Clement.

The POW/MIA Recognition Day program is one of a series of events the City of Manchester hosts throughout the year to honor and support local veterans. Other events include a Memorial Day ceremony, Veterans Breakfast and Flags of Valor. In addition, the Manchester Veterans Commission has a booth at Manchester Homecoming with information on veterans-related resources.

07/09/2022

Apparently FB is removing the LIKE button on pages. Instead you must FOLLOW the page. I appreciate your support and sharing the page!!

07/02/2022

Are you looking for something for you and/or your family to do on the 4th?! You can stay for the music and fireworks, too!

Thanks to all of our incredible servicemembers & their families! For a full list of appreciation days this summer, please visit: https://www.manchestermo.gov/942/Appreciation-Days-at-the-Pool

06/15/2022

Five new individuals will appear on the wall. They include Christopher Harvey (2013). Blake Morgner (2016), Devon A. Stewart (2013), Luke O'Brien (2016), and Charles C. Strong (2018). Thank you for your service! If you know them and they are on FB please invite them to LIKE this page.

Also, as successful as I am at times, I am still struggling to connect with some individuals who I've been told should be recognized. If you know any of the following, please help me connect with them (or if you know they did not serve, I can remove them from my investigation list). I appreciate all your help!

Patrick Roe (2011)
Mercedes Liviapoma (2013)
Jake Lewis (2012)
Christopher Harvey (2013)
Ronald P. Wagner (2012)
Anthonia Lamar Word (2014)
Brad Nelson (2013)
Carl Antoine (2017)
Carlton Blakley (2015)
Terrion Belton (2017)

06/07/2022

Good Morning, Veterans! Please feel free to share with anyone you feel might benefit from this program!

03/23/2022

Hey all! Remember me? I am sorry I have been absent for so long. For the last six months I have been working to send home the personalized flags that were displayed from the Flags of Valor installation that happened over the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in Forest Park. I helped lead a team of volunteers to contact Gold Star families and find a family member, friend or military comrade to receive the flag as our gift. But I am back working on this project!

10/28/2021

Another project that was spearheaded by the Bells! It opens back up in January if you want to see yourself or a loved one honored!!

showcasing the incredible stories of veterans in the St. Louis area

10/27/2021

This is the latest project that was completed by the Veterans Commission, led by me. These are six of the seven fallen soldiers who graduated from South High and also appear on the FMW. We are in the process of adding PO1 Robin Collins, who gave her life for our country this summer. This is a memorial we never want to see grow.