Bay, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – The Bay Veterans Memorial will be covered in red, white, and blue later this month as the community gathers for the Flag Day 5K.
The free event, which starts at 8 a.m. on June 20, is designed to bring the community together while raising vital funds for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 26.
While there is no registration fee, participants are encouraged to bring a donation to help the local chapter provide life-changing support for area veterans and their families.
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Those behind the event emphasize that the morning is open to everyone. Competitive runners, casual walkers, and families looking for a morning stroll are all welcome at the starting line. Attendees are also highly encouraged to wear their most patriotic red, white, and blue attire.
The event operates under a fitting motto: “Honoring those who served through every step we take.”
Local teenager Aden Graham spearheaded the event to provide the community with a local way to support the DAV.
“I want to give back to the DAV because they did a lot for me, and they do a lot for disabled veterans like my dad,” Graham said, noting that his father served in the Army and his grandfather served in World War II. “I feel like it’s very important because our veterans do a lot for our country, and I don’t feel like we do as much as we should for them.”
Coordinating a 5K at the memorial required navigating local logistics and rallying support. A heavy challenge for a high schooler, but Graham was ready to take it on after having previously organized an “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevention walk. He noted that mapping out a better route was a priority this year, crediting Tammy Hamilton, Vicki Davis, and April Lowery for helping him bring the event together.
To ensure a welcoming environment, Graham said he has focused on the participant experience.
“We’re gonna make sure that everyone’s feeling comfortable, and there’s gonna be water there,” he explained. “We’re gonna make sure that everybody’s safe and anybody can join it if they want—walkers, runners, you know.”
With race day approaching, the focus remains firmly on showing up for local veterans. Graham does not have a specific financial target, noting that “any amount would be appreciated,” but he hopes to see 40 to 50 people at the starting line and aims to make the Flag Day 5K an annual tradition.
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to warm up before the 8 a.m. start and to drop off their donations for DAV Chapter 26.
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