10/16/2026
Over the past few weeks, our team has taken time to catch our breath (a tiny bit) and reflect on what we accomplished together with Flags of Valor STL on Art Hill in September. Even with the flags now safely packed away and the grass returning to green, the sheer emotion of what took place between September 3rd and 13th remains etched in our hearts.
To say we are grateful to our volunteers and community would be an understatement. We are in awe of you.
This monumental tribute didn’t begin in September. It began months ago, in April, (and years ago with the planning committee) when so many of you spent long weekends in the Guarantee Electrical warehouse assembling individual flags by hand. It continued in the late-summer heat as teams painstakingly surveyed and marked the hillside, ensuring every single hero would have their rightful place.
Then came the installation: planting row upon row of red, white, and blue until 7,620 full-size American flags blanketed the horizon.
For ten days, you stood watch walking Art Hill even before the sun came up. You braved the weather to maintain the field, straightened flags that had shifted or sagged in the wind, and gently guided Gold Star families across the hill to find the face and name of their loved one. You bore witness to tears, salutes, quiet prayers, and stories that will stay with us forever. And when the time came, you returned with the same quiet reverence to break down, roll, and pack away each flag with the dignity it deserves.
Every sore muscle, every drop of sweat, and every hour you gave ensured that a promise was kept: our fallen are never forgotten. Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for showing what honor, community, and service truly look like. We hope you will join us again in 2031.
Continuing the Mission: Join us at Straub's on November 12.
🎟️ https://igfn.us/form/AIeLsQ
Flags of Valor honored those who gave everything in service to our nation. At the Patriot Training Foundation, the work to protect those still wearing the uniform never stops. Every dollar raised ensures our regional law enforcement and military personnel receive the elite training they need to face dangerous environments and return home safely to their families.
After months of hard labor on the hill, we want to bring our community back together for an evening of camaraderie, great conversation, and celebration.
Join us on Thursday, November 12th, for the PTF W**e & Bourbon Tasting at Straub's Market in Clayton.
We would love nothing more than to pack the house with the very people who make our mission possible.
What your $75 ticket supports and includes:
🍷🥃 Curated Tastings: Sample an exceptional selection of fine wines, premium bourbons, and other special surprises!
🍴 Gourmet Bites: Enjoy light, delicious hors d'oeuvres curated by the culinary team at Straub’s.
🍾 After-Hours Shopping: Browse and shop your favorite wines and spirits while you sip.
🇺🇸 Direct Mission Impact: 100% of the proceeds benefit the Patriot Training Foundation's ongoing training programs.
Whether you volunteered on the hill, sponsored a flag, or simply believe in standing behind those who protect us, we would be honored to raise a glass with you.
Event Overview:
Date: Thursday, November 12
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Straub's Markets (Clayton) – 8282 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO
Tickets: $75 per person
🎟️ https://igfn.us/form/AIeLsQ
Thank you for standing with us through the heat, the grit, and the emotion of Art Hill. We hope to see you on November 12th to celebrate what we built together and to fuel the critical work still ahead.
With profound gratitude and pride,
The Patriot Training Foundation Team
