Behind Every Flag: South Florida Workers Honoring America’s Heroes This Memorial Day
As Americans prepare to observe Memorial Day weekend, communities across the country are taking time to remember and honor the military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. From memorial ceremonies to flags displayed outside homes and at veterans’ cemeteries, the holiday serves as a powerful reminder of courage, sacrifice, and freedom.
In South Florida, however, there is another meaningful story behind many of those American flags — one centered on dedication, inclusion, and pride.
At the Miami headquarters of Goodwill South Florida, more than 1,200 employees with disabilities work each day producing American flags through the organization’s Ryder Apparel Manufacturing Division, one of the largest U.S. flag manufacturing operations in the country. While Goodwill is widely known for its thrift stores and community programs, far fewer people realize the organization has spent decades helping honor veterans and military families through this important work.
The facility produces approximately 500 American flags daily, including nearly 85,000 interment flags every year that are used during veteran burial ceremonies and presented to Gold Star families of fallen service members.
Over the past 30 years, more than 2.5 million veterans have been honored with burial flags made at Goodwill South Florida, making the operation an important part of national remembrance traditions. For the employees involved, the work carries deep emotional and patriotic significance.
Among the team is a floor manager responsible for quality control who is blind and has dedicated years to ensuring every flag meets the highest standards before leaving the facility. The organization also proudly employs seven veterans at its Miami headquarters, adding an even more personal connection to the mission behind each flag produced.
Longtime employee Jorge Proenza, a cutting specialist who has worked at Goodwill South Florida for more than two decades, says the job means far more than manufacturing.
“Every flag I cut is a symbol of freedom,” Proenza shared. “After 21 years at Goodwill, I’m proud to be part of this work.”The impact of their craftsmanship has even reached international heights.
In a symbolic moment of pride and perseverance, a Goodwill South Florida-made American flag once reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
As the nation reflects during Memorial Day weekend, stories like these highlight the dedication of workers whose efforts help preserve the traditions that honor America’s fallen heroes.
This Memorial Day, alongside remembering the brave service members who gave their lives for the country, many are also expressing gratitude to the hardworking individuals behind the flags that continue to symbolize freedom, sacrifice, and national unity.
To all veterans, Gold Star families, fallen heroes, and the dedicated workers supporting these traditions — thank you for your service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the nation.
