Recently chartered Rotary Club of Lake Anna launched its first major project—Flags for Heroes, a patriotic display honoring those who serve the community and nation.

Students from Louisa County High School’s Junior ROTC and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes joined Rotary volunteers to prepare the ground for what will soon become a striking tribute of red, white, and blue along Route 208. Working side by side, the group spent the day digging more than 150 holes to hold the flags that will line the front lawn of the Lakeside Real Estate office, across from Food Lion.

Click here to see a list of the students and photo from the project

“We’re here to be helpful,” said Dixie Fincham, a 10th-grade ROTC team manager. “It’s important to serve our community and offer support wherever we can.”

Rotary Club President Frank Ramey said the effort embodies the club’s guiding principle of service above self.

“This is a mission of love for us,” Ramey said. “We have so much we want to do and give back. The entire mission is about doing good and bringing good to the people who need help.”

The installation effort was no small task. Students and volunteers worked with gas-powered augers and jackhammers to break through the hard autumn ground before placing PVC sleeves in each hole to support the flagpoles. As of Monday, November 24, the field of flags are illuminated by two large 2,000-watt LED lights—creating a powerful nighttime display visible from the highway.

“For those who haven’t seen it before, you’re in for a real treat,” Ramey said. “It will be a magnificent display of patriotism.”

The display will remain in place through early December, offering residents and visitors a moment to pause and reflect on the people who make a difference—from veterans and first responders to educators and health care workers.

Superintendent J. Douglas “Doug” Straley II said the partnership between the Rotary Club and Louisa County Public Schools represents the kind of collaboration that strengthens the community.

“We wanted to look at who in the community are our heroes—from doctors, nurses, and educators to firefighters and service members,” Straley said. “The Rotary reached out about this project to recognize those heroes, and our students wanted to be involved. Anytime the schools can partner with organizations to build a better community, that’s special—and that’s what makes Louisa special.”

For Ramey, who previously served with the Rotary Club of Warrenton before helping establish the Lake Anna chapter, the project is both a symbol and a starting point.

When I came to Lake Anna, we needed 20 people to charter a new club,” he said. “We ended up with 56 charter members. This is going to be an important endeavor for us because we have energized members with great ideas—educating the public about issues like human trafficking and bullying in schools, and working to host a countywide conference to start community dialogue on these challenges.”

Flags for Heroes also serves as a key fundraiser to support those goals. Flags are being sponsored for $50 to $500, while corporate sponsors contributing $1,000 receive a banner displayed alongside the field. The proceeds will help fund upcoming service projects, scholarships, and outreach initiatives led by the club.

“We already have tremendous community support,” Ramey said. “This is just the beginning.”

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