REDDING, Calif. — The Flags and Flowers for Veterans movement, founded by Redding native Preston Sharp, reached a significant milestone Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery. Volunteers gathered to honor veterans by placing American flags and red carnations on their graves.
Although Preston Sharp was unable to attend, his mother, April, led the volunteers in continuing the mission he began as a child. This Veterans Day will mark the 10th anniversary of Sharp’s initiative to honor fallen heroes.
“This Veterans Day will be Preston’s 10-year anniversary of honoring our fallen heroes with flags and red carnations,” said April. “When a 10-year-old said that he was passionate about honoring veterans, I didn’t realize that 10 years later he would still be passionate about it and still want to honor our fallen heroes. I am so proud of him.”
Preston has organized the placement of carnations and flags across all 50 states and three countries over the past ten years. In celebration of the anniversary, Sharp plans to send flags and flowers to all 50 states. Community members are invited to help take down the flags and flowers at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery next Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
Donations are needed for the sending of flowers and flags to all 50 states. If you would like to donate, visit https://www.fandfchallenge.com/