The Faces of Flag Day: A Celebration of Community in Three Oaks, Michigan
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, volunteers from Stroll Three Oaks hosted a brand-new community event: the Flag Day Project — and it was truly something special.
Held at Commune + Market in downtown Three Oaks, the event invited community members to have their portraits taken to become part of a beautiful American flag collage. The finished piece will be featured on a float during the Flag Day Parade on June 14th, 2026, and later displayed publicly in downtown Three Oaks.
The event brought together neighbors of all ages for an evening of light refreshments, conversation, and community connection. Organized by The Stroll Community Foundation: Stroll Three Oaks and sponsored by Keller Williams Realty agent Melissa Francis and Harbor Country Rolloff, the project highlighted the spirit of community that makes Three Oaks so special.
I was honored to be asked to serve as the event photographer for the evening — and of course I happily said yes. I love event photography, and I was already planning on attending anyway!
Being born and raised in Three Oaks, Flag Day has always held a special place in my heart. In fact, I have only missed two Flag Day weekends in my entire life. It is one of the traditions that makes our small town feel so unique and connected.
As I photographed the smiling faces throughout the evening, I found myself reflecting on something simple but powerful: how often we say, “Oh, I recognize them!”
We may not always remember a name, but we almost always remember a face.
We remember the faces we grew up with. The faces from school, church, community events, and local businesses. The faces that welcomed us at the grocery store checkout, served us at local restaurants, led Vacation Bible School, or smiled when we unexpectedly crossed paths downtown.
Those familiar faces are what make a small town feel like home.
To me, the Faces of Flag Day Project represents far more than a collage. It represents a community of individuals who collectively care about their town — its history, its present, and its future. Every face included becomes part of a larger picture that tells the story of Three Oaks and the people who make it special.
The turnout for the event was incredible, and it was wonderful to hear how many people reached out afterward hoping to still participate even though they couldn’t attend that evening. Thankfully, organizers have already shared that there will be a second opportunity for photos.
I am already looking forward to the Flag Day Parade and seeing this beautiful project proudly roll through our small town.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the evening so special. To view more photos from the Faces of Flag Day Project, visit the full gallery here: https://www.cassyburkphotography.com/p98132635
