On Monday, May 31, 2010, The American Village observed the 142nd Memorial Day by hosting the 6th Annual Blue Star Salute. Beginning in 1868, Memorial Day has been observed in remembrance of our nations' soldiers. It has traditionally been a special time to honor those whom President Abraham Lincoln said, "gave the last full measure of devotion" in defense of our freedom. The most enduring and revered symbol of that freedom is The United States Flag.

The American Village in cooperation with The Blue Star Salute Foundation wanted to find another special way to acknowledge those men and women by honoring that flag for which they all fought. On Memorial Day a ceremony was held at the foot of The Village's Concord Bridge to both consecrate the ground and dedicate a granite marker than will serve as a final resting place for retired United States Flags. Following the consecration service, members of Boy Scout Troop 495 of Birmingham retired two flags. The flags ashes will be interred within the marker. Each year thereafter, additional flag retirement ceremonies will take place at The American Village. The marker was paid for through the generosity of The Blue Star Salute Foundation.