Thousands of American flags are decorating the lawn of the old State Capitol to mark Veterans’ Day.
The 3,512 flags are installed on the grounds to mark the number of Union soldiers buried at the Soldiers’ National Cemetary at Gettysburg.
Site superintendent Jason Blandford says it is the second year the display has been installed and says the number of people walking through downtown Springfield and stop to pay tribute never ceases to amaze him
“It is our most important symbol…the red, white and, blue. These colors mean so much to Americans and Illinoisians and we want to do a great job,” says Blandford.
Ribbons are available in the Old State Captiol to tie around one of the small flags to honor a veteran.