WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Kicking off Memorial Day weekend in Wichita are the Flags of Freedom which can be seen from I-235 and Meridian.  

Rows of flags were placed in the ground early Friday morning. Each one stands as a strong representative of the many veterans who did the same.  

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) partnered with United Way of the Plains for this fourth annual Flags of Freedom event.  

Volunteers from IAM along with community members planted about 600 flags Friday morning across District 70’s property.  

The associations Teressa Peart says she was overjoyed when asked to be a part of this event.  

"I'm the granddaughter, great granddaughter, daughter of a veteran and I am the mother of two veterans," said Peart.   

Many people purchased the flags honoring friends and family who served in the military.  

Each flag costing $30 stands with a certificate of a veteran who Peart said was willing to pay with his life. 

"One of the most important things is you gotta remember everybody that signed their name on that line, they signed a blank check to do whatever they could for you, me and anybody else," added Peart.   

Money raised from the purchase of the flags goes toward the Veterans Free Ride program through Wichita transit.  

Saturday, the community can come out to the Unity and Community Pop-Up event from noon to 4 p.m. 

Attendees can enjoy about 50 vendors, food trucks, all while learning about services tailored to veterans.  

For more information on events and how to purchase a flag honoring someone you know, you can visit United Way of the Plains.