Traditionally, the end of this week provides one of the most beautiful sights of the year -- the Memorial Day Flag Garden on the Boston Common. Led by dear friends and the wonderful folks at Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, the breathtaking tribute pays honor to the 37,309 Massachusetts' Fallen since the Revolutionary War. The seemingly endless sea of flags serves as a moving reminder of the cost of freedom and the scale of loss felt by loved ones.

Because of the pandemic, the Flag Garden is not possible this year. Instead, MMHF has created a number of ways to embrace the Memorial Day mission of honor and remembrance. Their highlight is a virtual Flag Garden, which Project 351 is very honored to support.

We invite you to join us and help MMHF reach their goal unifying the Commonwealth in remembrance through 37,309 virtual flags! Supporters can participate by printing a flag graphic and placing it in your window or on your door over Memorial Day weekend; planting a flag in your yard or garden; or sponsoring a flag via https://charity.gofundme.com/memorialday.

MMHF is collecting photos/videos of the virtual garden, so they can share with the families of the Fallen. They encourage folks to post a picture or video and tag @mamilheroes and use the hashtag #HeroesFlagGarden.

Our decade-long partnership with MMHF is one of our greatest treasures. Each year, we partner in support our their mission and our military community on Launch, Reunion, Memorial Day, and 9.11 Tribute Service. Over the last ten years, Executive Director Diane Nealon and Board Member Christie Schmitt Coombs have spent untold hours to educate and engage our young leaders.

The attached John Hancock video highlights one of our efforts and provides context from MMHF and families of 9.11 on the power of remembrance. And, of the strength families of the Fallen gain from tributes like the virtual Flag Garden.

We have greatest appreciation and reverence for our military, veterans, and families; and special love for MMHF and their team. Thank you for your consideration of support. 37,309 flags to honor the courage and sacrifice of 37,309 Fallen Heroes. An important tribute that is beautiful, meaningful, and possible.

❤️🇺🇸
#honorandremember
#neverforget

Rounding out the week with a #351GratitudeMoment for all of the heartfelt, creative, and magnanimous ways educators, families, celebrities, and even, former Presidents, are celebrating the amazing Class of 2020!

We have special love for this Class as we celebrate three graduations -- our 8th graders, high school seniors, and college grads. As individuals, so remarkable. As a collective, they are the hope we wish to see in this world.

We wish we could magically restore their anticipated milestones, special events, and moments of timeless memories. We lack that superpower, and replace it with our heartfelt appreciation, admiration, and pride. And, hope that our virtual Leadership Reunion in June provides a measure of joy and magic!

But, tonight, we want to share a #351GratitudeMoment for the countless educators going door-to-door or leading car parades in celebration of their graduates. Providing each one with a special moment of joy and celebration. Their devotion fills out hearts.

As do the endless tributes by proud families, beaming with certainty of their graduates' unique brand of special. Their scholar, athlete, artist, activist, entrepreneur, change maker...ready to shine their shine in ways that illuminate our world.

This weekend, there are a few national celebrations of note. Tomorrow evening, "America Honors the High School Class of 2020" with #GraduateTogether -- a celebration produced by Lebron James.

Highlights include musical performance and messages of encouragement from special guests including Alicia Keys, Megan Rapinoe, Pharrell Williams, and Service Heroes Malala Yousafzai and Yara Shahidi.

The highlight of this tribute to grads will be a commencement address from former President Barack Obama.

So, after a day of outdoor exploration in the sunshine, celebrate your favorite graduate tomorrow at 8 p.m. Apparently, it is on every channel! A fitting tribute to the wonderful, resilient, hopeful, forward-looking, and amazing Class of 2020!

Graduates, educators, and families, this #351GratitudeMoment is for you!

#351GratitudeMoment
#Classof2020

Good New Bulletin: Good Trouble!

We're beyond excited that Congressman John Lewis -- the inspiration for Project 351's mission whom we honor through this year's pledge to make "good trouble" -- will be tributed in a documentary, scheduled for a July 3 release.

51 days and counting...we can't wait!
❤️

#goodtrouble
#goodnews