2024 Flag Runner Registration
Flag Runners: The volunteers who place flags and take a photo to provide a virtual connection between the Requestor and their hero.
Date and time
Location
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55450About this event
All Flag Runners are required to have a smart phone capable of taking photos and accessing the internet.
A photo will be taken and uploaded via an online form, the link will be shared the day of the event. Once the form is submitted, an email will be automatically sent to the requester with the photo and it will be posted to the FFFS Facebook page.
Please note: The cemetery does not want anyone showing up in running gear, though tennis shoes are acceptable. They ask that we keep to a brisk walk, as running is not allowed in the cemetery.
Cemetery Rules
- No running in the cemetery.
- No leaning on, sitting on, or resting body or limbs on headstones or monuments.
- Do not pick up any flowers or flags (unless the flag has fallen to the ground).
- Do not touch any of the coins that were placed on top of the headstones or around the headstone.
- No advertising of any kind while on the cemetery grounds.
- Do not disrupt visitors at graves. You may ask to place the flag for them. However, if they deny the request, kindly give them a flag so that they can place it themselves.
- No littering, please ensure that you are picking up after yourselves.
*Disclaimer - This event is subject to change or cancellation due to the Department of Veterans Affairs' guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
The Flag Placement Requests are a tradition FFFS started during our first year in 2015. It was a way people could guarantee that a flag was placed at their loved one’s headstone for Memorial Day, keep in mind that this was before every headstone received a flag! The tradition evolved over time in th
Your shift length will depend on how quickly you are able to fulfill your requests. Some volunteers are done in an hour, and some take a few hours.
To keep the day on schedule we ask that you arrive at the start of your shift.
A week or so before your scheduled shift, you will be sent an email with additional information, including a cemetery map of where to check-in and parking information. You will first check-in with the Greeters who will then direct you to the Fulfillment team.
On the day of your shift, when you check-in with the fulfillment team, they will give you a printed out copy of your assigned requests.
Please arrive at the cemetery on time with your cell phone fully charged.
This volunteer position relies very heavily on your ability to be successful with technology. If you have hesitations, we encourage you to check out our other volunteer opportunities.