Local groups raise ‘Flags of Freedom’ for child abuse awareness

JACKSON, Tenn. — If you’ve driven along the Highway 45 bypass between North Parkway and Old Hickory Boulevard, you’ve seen the sea of American flags flying on the lawn of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The eighth annual Flags of Freedom project was officially dedicated Tuesday. The display of flags was set up Saturday and has been catching the attention of drivers.

The Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, which sponsors the event, said each of the flags represents three special groups of people — first responders, those serving or who have served in the military, and the children who have fallen victim to abuse.

“Children have a special place in a fireman’s heart, so you know it’s very special to us,” Capt. Jon Harrison of the Jackson Fire Department said.

“To see the American flag displayed in the manner that it is here, it’s respectful, it’s professional and it just brings out the American pride in everybody,” Harrison said.

Flags line the lawn of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.

“I’m a very patriotic person, and it just makes me feel good for the Jackson Fire Department to be a part of this event,” Harrison said.

Not only are there more than 1,000 flags on the lawn, there’s also a second display of 22 flags representing children who have died from abuse and neglect within the last year in the state of Tennessee.

Child abuse is a growing issue affecting more than 16,500 individuals in West Tennessee. The Jackson Exchange Club wants to bring awareness by waving the American flag as the symbol of our nation’s unity.

“It’s a wonderful feeling. This is great,” said Brad Keltner, Jackson Exchange Club president. “The people driving by honking their horns, coming out to the display and the ‘thank yous’ we get as a club makes us feel really good.”

Each flag was purchased by community members and businesses and are on display until June 11, so there is plenty of time to come out and see them.

Money raised from the event will help continue the free programs provided throughout West Tennessee by the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.