Lake Charles Honors Heroes with 1,200 Flags at Avenue of Flags

🐊 KNGT 🐊 | Lake Charles, LA — Alright y’all, this one right here will give you chills. Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the Avenue of Flags takes over the Orange Grove / Graceland Cemetery here in  Lake Charles, its an amazing experience to see this display first hand.

How many Flags are on Display in Lake Charles' Avenue of Flags?

The Avenue of Flags, is the largest display of Casket Flags in the US, and its right here in our backyard. There is over 1,200 American flags, arranged on both sides of the meandering dirt roads. Each and every one of them represents a hero.

It all started back in 1983 with just 50 flags. The late Dr. Rex Smelser from the Southwest Louisiana Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution dreamed of creating something big, something that’d show how much this community respects our veterans. Well, I’d say he nailed it. What started as an idea has turned into one of the most beautiful and emotional tributes in the South. It’s even been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society and Southern Traveler as one of the top events in the region.

Every Memorial Day morning, local volunteers with the Boys Scout and other organizations start their days bright and early to get them all raised. There is a special ceremony from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.

After the ceremony, folks can walk, drive, or ride their bikes through the display. There’s even a History Walk that showcases all 26 versions of the American flag through time. If you get hungry, they’ve got plate lunches available, and all that money goes right back to supporting the Avenue of Flags project.

This ain’t just a Lake Charles tradition, it’s a reminder that freedom’s not free. Rain or shine (well, except bad weather), this community shows up to honor those who gave everything. If you have never made it out on these special days, make sure you come by today and lets honor the brave men and women that served our country.

Because every one of ‘em tells a story… and together, they tell ours. 🇺🇸