Schools

Notre Dame's 3,344 Flags Honor Fallen Troops in Afghanistan


Notre Dame College Prep students, faculty, staff and coaches installed 3,344 American flags last week on the lawn of the Niles Catholic boys' school. They represent the number of fatalities of the combined coalition forces (U.S., U.K and 27 other countries) in the Afghan conflict known as "Operation Enduring Freedom," according to the Department of Defense website. 

Eighty-four rows of flags were installed in a grid system designed by Notre Dame math teacher John Bachta, who also directed the installation of the flags. The volunteers lined up and installed the flags in precise rows to represent each troop member. 

This memorial, which can be seen from Dempster Street, will serve as a reminder that "Freedom is not free." The flags will remain up through the July 4th weekend.

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