MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)- It's a tradition a decade strong...Madisonville and Monroe County's annual Parade of Flags.

Each year hundreds of American Flags are planted in the ground surrounding the Monroe County Courthouse. This year...there are 350 tributes to America and it's veterans.

A ceremony kicking off the month long event was held on the courthouse steps on Thursday evening.

A 21 gun salute, the Pledge of Allegiance and the signing of God Bless the USA were part of the patriotic kick-off.

A tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice was also held. The loved ones of local veterans...who died while serving our country...planted flags.

Lynn Forehand says she's speechless that her community paid tribute to her son...Staff Sergent Ryan Haupt...who was killed while serving in Iraq in 2006.

Trooper Bryan Martin tells us that his fallen friend, Lance Corporal Frankie Watson, would be proud to see all of the flags on display in his hometown.