FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cool Spring Downtown District and ASOM Foundation Partner for 19th Annual Field of Honor®
Flags are on sale now for $35 each, with proceeds split evenly between the two nonprofits; sponsorship opportunities are also available.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — July 27, 2026 — Cool Spring Downtown District and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation (ASOMF) are once again joining forces to present the 19th Annual Field of Honor®, a display of hundreds of American flags honoring current service members, veterans and the fallen. The field will be officially launched on the morning of Sept. 11, 2026, and the flags will remain on display through Nov. 11 on the Parade Grounds of the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville.
This year’s display carries extra weight: the official launch falls on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. And in honor of America250, the nationwide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Cool Spring Downtown District and ASOMF are each setting a goal to sell 250 flags this season.
Individual flags are available through August 15 for $35 each through ASOMF’s online shop at shop.asomf.org. Each purchase recognizes a service member, past and present, and proceeds are split evenly between ASOMF and Cool Spring Downtown District, supporting both organizations’ work in downtown Fayetteville.
In addition to individual flag purchases, sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations that want a larger role in this year’s display. Those interested can contact Cool Spring Downtown District directly for details on sponsorship levels.
Partnerships like this one are still the exception in the nonprofit world, where organizations often compete for the same donors, sponsors and grant dollars. Cool Spring Downtown District and ASOMF say Field of Honor® is proof that two missions can grow together instead of competing: by sharing an audience, marketing reach and volunteer power, both organizations are able to raise more for their individual missions than either could on its own.
“Cool Spring Downtown District is proud to partner with the ASOMF to host the Field of Honor® again this year,” said Ashanti Bennett, President/CEO of Cool Spring Downtown District. “The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is part of our downtown, and the work they and the foundation do adds to the vitality of our community. If you didn’t serve, chances are you live next to someone who did, or love someone who did. That’s quality of life, and it’s exactly why we show up for this every year.”
“Every flag on that field has a name on it: someone who served, or someone who was loved by someone who did,” said Margaret Britten, Executive Director of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation. “When you buy a flag for $35 or sponsor the Field of Honor®, you’re not just supporting two nonprofits that mean a lot to this city. You’re adding a name to a field the whole community walks through and remembers, preserving and honoring their legacy.”
Organizers are encouraging the community to purchase flags before the deadline of August 15, as sales help fund programming for both organizations throughout the year.
About Cool Spring Downtown District
Cool Spring Downtown District, Inc. (CSDD) is a charitable nonprofit corporation formed in 2017 to create and sustain an arts and entertainment district in Downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. CSDD’s mission is to grow Downtown Fayetteville as a dynamic hub where creativity, culture, and commerce thrive. Residents and visitors to Cumberland County can learn more about CSDD and Downtown Fayetteville at visitdowntownfayetteville.com. CSDD can also be followed on Facebook at @CoolSpringFAY.org and @downtownfayetteville, and on Instagram at @coolspringdowntowndistrict and @downtownfay.
About the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation
The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation (ASOMF) provides community outreach and fundraising support to sustain the programs and exhibits of the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum.
Media Contacts
Ashanti Bennett, President/CEO
Cool Spring Downtown District
910-223-1089
Margaret Britten, Executive Director
Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation
910-643-2778
