Flags fly to honor those who serve

American flags – 1,776 of them, to be exact – are lining the walkways of Newport Beach’s Castaways Park this weekend in honor of the nation’s military.

For seven years, volunteers from the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor have transformed the park, which overlooks the harbor, into a Field of Honor monument to those who serve in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and their families in celebration of Armed Forces Day, which is designated on the third Saturday in May.

The flags will fly through Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, city officials, military personnel and the Wells Fargo stagecoach led the inaugural Field of Honor Parade through Newport Beach, beginning at Newport Harbor High School and ending at Castaways Park. A dedication ceremony for the Field of Honor followed the parade.

The Field of Honor helps raise thousands of dollars each year for military charities, according to the Exchange Club. The money comes from donations and a fee that people can pay to dedicate a flag for the event.