When Lonny Marchant arrived in Alexandria in 1966, he hardly knew a soul. A career that brought him into regular contact with local politicians and businessmen soon opened an unexpected door: an invitation to join the Rotary Club of Alexandria. With family ties to Rotary already in place, both a father and uncle were members, Lonny’s decision felt natural. He was sponsored into the club that same year, and remains an active member nearly six decades later, making Lonny the longest-serving member in the chapter.

That enduring commitment reflects Rotary’s guiding principle, “Service Above Self.” 

Lonny, a Belle Haven resident since 1979, is one of eight Rotarians who call the neighborhood home. 

Locally, their mission to serve comes to life through initiatives like Flags For Heroes which will celebrate its ninth year in Alexandria in June. Flags For Heroes honors local heroes, shows the club’s patriotism and supports local community service projects, Lonny said. 

The club’s impact extends further through the Alexandria Day Nursery and Children’s Home, a nonprofit arm that distributes roughly $70,000 each year to support preschool organizations in the area.

Fundraising efforts such as the popular Taste for Giving event also channel resources to local nonprofits and reinforces Rotary’s deep roots in community support. Lonny said that beyond Alexandria, Rotary International’s global efforts like its long-running campaign to eradicate polio highlights the broader reach of the organization.

Especially meaningful are the relationships built along the way. Weekly meetings at the Belle Haven Country Club offer a space to exchange ideas with a membership that spans diverse professions, to hear from engaging speakers, and form lasting friendships. 

For Lonny, what began as a way to meet people has become a lifelong commitment to service, one that continues to make a difference both close to Belle Haven and around the world.

On a gentle rise overlooking the Potomac River—with the US Capitol dome in the distance —hundreds of American flags will soon ripple in the summer breeze. Each one tells a story.

This year's Flags For Heroes event takes on added significance as communities nationwide prepare to celebrate America 250. Set on the historic grounds of Cedar Knoll, once part of George Washington’s River Farm, the display blends personal tribute with national reflection.

“The fact that it’s sitting on George Washington’s front yard is very special to all of us,” said Jim Carmalt, the immediate past president of the Rotary Club.  

From June 27 through July 11, more than 200 flags will line the expansive lawn, each sponsored in honor of a “hero.” For $50, participants can dedicate a flag to a veteran, first responder, teacher, friend—or even a beloved pet.

“A hero is anyone you deem a hero,” said Sharon Meisel, a Rotarian helping to lead the event. “Even a pet.”

What began as a modest tribute has, as Carmalt puts it, “really gotten legs,” drawing sponsors from across the country. Many return each year, bringing family members to walk the grounds, find their flag, and capture photos with one of the region’s most striking backdrops.

The flags face the river, creating a sweeping visual framed by American history—both distant and immediate. It’s a setting that feels especially fitting as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

To mark the milestone, organizers are adding new touches. Each flag will carry a redesigned plaque featuring both the hero’s name and the sponsor’s, along with the official America 250 logo. A commemorative 250th anniversary flag will lead the display, and a special luncheon with a guest speaker will honor sponsors who dedicate three or more flags. 

After the event concludes, plaques are returned to sponsors as keepsakes, small but meaningful reminders of the tribute.