Flags for Heroes
A beautiful vista of red, white and blue will appear on Utica’s Memorial Parkway as The Good News Foundation hosts its 12th annual Flags for Heroes Healing Field® display of 1,000 United States Flags. Certainly, meaningful in the past years, this display takes on increased significance as our active-duty military, fallen servicemen and women, first responders, veterans are all honored. The days leading up to and surrounding Veterans Day are the perfect time to remember and honor the men and women who have by their dedication become heroes in our lives.
Our unity as a people is expressed by the U.S. flag, which symbolizes our shared history, values and aspirations.
Proceeds will benefit Sitrin’s Military Program, which is designed to treat veterans and service members experiencing physical, emotional, and cognitive issues. The program is different from conventional veteran care, personalizing treatment options and social activities based on each individual’s needs and interests. Those who have experienced traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, amputations, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and other symptoms have benefited from Sitrin’s unique approach to care.
The Utica Healing Field® display is a gift to the community made possible through donations, sponsorships and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. You can show your support and gratitude by sponsoring a flag for only $40 or making a donation.
Please visit and support Utica’s Healing Field® display. Bring your family and friends to experience this awe-inspiring display, November 3-11, 2026.
Our Recognition Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 3 pm held at the Utica Recreation Center.
Roger L. Parrino Sr. has recently retired from The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). Roger’s public service started in 1980 when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMC) and reported to Parris Island. He served in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for over 21 years, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander of Detectives and was a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team. After the NYPD, Roger was employed by Cubic, Inc. and worked as a civilian advisor to the USMC, during which he served on five overseas deployments: four combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and the maiden deployment of the USS Green Bay to the Indian Ocean. After returning from Afghanistan for his third and final time, Roger served as Senior Counselor to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson. Prior to working for the PANYNJ, Roger served as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and was Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Homeland Security Advisor.
Roger is a recipient of the NYPD Medal of Valor for actions taken on Sept 11, 2001, the DHS Public Service Medal and the C. Wayne Williams Award from Excelsior College for outstanding public service and community involvement. He is a 1979 graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, a 1989 graduate of Regents College and a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
10475 Cosby Manor Road | Utica, NY 13502
315 735-6210
Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Closed 12 PM-1 PM