- Operation Fallen Flags 815.968.1040
Operation Fallen Flags
The Glory Truck
We haven’t replaced every worn, torn, and tattered flag yet, but we’re working on it.
Flags Were Torn, and The Glory Truck Was Born
Over fifty years ago, Bobby Kennedy said, “Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” A few years ago, a Vietnam veteran named Nick Parnello had a dream. “I had seen worn-out flags still flying and asked why. Then, I had a dream that those flags should be replaced, and asked why not?” That’s how The Glory Truck and Operation Fallen Flags went from being a dream to a reality.
Recent Happenings
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Automotive Solutions Gives The Glory Truck a Facelift
When The Glory Truck needed a facelift, and our finances were tight, Tom and Sherry Abrahamson of Automotive Solutions in Belvidere came to the rescue.
Replacing the Flag at the Army Reserve Training Facility
When the Smoke Brothers of Operation Fallen Flags heard that the U.S. Army Reserve Training Facility in Machesney Park, Illinois, needed a new flag, they went into action.
Smoke Brothers Directional Mileage Signpost
When the Smoke Brothers put up a directional signpost, the arrows pointed mostly to places in Vietnam.
Teeccino Herbal Coffees and Teas Donation
Blackjack 6 (Nick Parnello) is always looking for health-related supplements and recently made a great discover.
Operation Fallen Flags Visits Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy
The Glory Truck, Mr. Marine, and veterans of Operation Fallen Flags visit the school to teach the kids about the flag.
Why We Do What We Do
operation fallen flags
Operation Fallen Flags makes sure that worn-out flags are replaced and properly retired at their Flag Day ceremony at LZ Peace.
The Smoke Brothers
THEY ARE THE ONES WHO DO IT ALL
The Smoke Brothers teach school kids the history of the American flag. They maintain The Glory Truck and drive it to the LZ Peace Memorial for ceremonies.
The Glory Truck
It started with a dream
When Nick Parnello had a dream about replacing fallen flags, he got a bunch of his friends together, got a great deal on a truck, and that’s how it started.
Teeccino Makes Substantial Donation
#1 brand of coffee alternatives and HERBAL TEAS comes through again
Galen MacDougall, Sales Manager of Teeccino, reports that their customers made generous donations during their 2021 Veterans Day Weekend event, and that Teeccino matched every dollar – amounting to a very nice donation to Operation Fallen Flags. We think Teeccino beverages are delicious and healthy and highly recommend them, and we are grateful for their support.
June 14, 2020 • Flag Day
Retiring the flag
When an American flag comes to the end of its life
The Smoke Brothers and the crew of The Glory Truck take flag retirement seriously. This video shows how they do it.
Video courtesy of Todd Burd, Rockford, Illinois.
Play Video
The Fallen Flags Crew and The Smoke Brothers Are All Volunteers, But There Are Always Expenses
The Operation Fallen Flags volunteers consider their hard work a labor of love. But even volunteer organizations need donations to keep things going. With Operation Fallen Flags, there are flags to buy, lots of gasoline to feed The Glory Truck as it makes its rounds, there are maintenance costs, and a lot more. We are extremely grateful that so many local businesses, organizations, and individuals have made amazing in-kind and cash donations that have made Operation Fallen Flags possible. But we still need help in the form of donations large and small from people like you. Please donate generously so we can keep the flags flying. Thank you.
Operation Fallen Flags 815.968.1040
Our Related Organizations
People and groups closely related to Operation Fallen Flags.
LZ Peace Memorial
A place of honor for vietnam veterans
The names of over seventy-five soldiers are etched on the black granite wall in Rockford, Illinois, paying tribute to those men who paid the ultimate price.
Agent Orange Memorial
THE CASUALTY COUNT CONTINUES
The list of war casualties didn’t stop when the Vietnam War ended. Millions of Vietnam veterans continue to suffer and die as a result of Agent Orange.
The Wall in Washington DC
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Wall in Washington, DC, stands silent witness to the 58,000 men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.
Don’t Miss It
Don’t miss any of our events and ceremonies. Watch the Upcoming Events section of this website or call us for information regarding events, ceremonies, or for any other information including donations.
Operation Fallen Flags 815.968.1040
