CAROLINAS FREEDOM FOUNDATION

Founded in 1995 by former prisoner of war and retired Air Force Col. Quincy Collins, Carolinas Freedom Foundation is a non-profit that works to inspire patriotic citizenship through programs and events. It began operation with Charlotte’s two signature Veterans Day weekend events: the Carolinas Freedom Foundation Annual Freedom Breakfast and Salute to Veterans Parade. Then recognizing an unmet need, CFF (Carolinas Freedom Foundation) expanded programming to include both youth education and young professional engagement.

Flags in Classrooms (Throughout the Year)
Carolinas Freedom Foundation supports putting American flags in every Carolina classroom, so children and teens are inspired by the patriotic symbol every day. CFF ensures that Carolina schools have appropriate flags for classrooms, outside entrances, and auditoriums, with a leadership curriculum delivered by veterans explaining the flag’s history and how it should be honored.

Rising Stars Polaris Banquet (February)
Carolinas Freedom Foundation works with young professionals, designated as Rising Stars, who have demonstrated the following principles in extraordinary ways: Patriotism, Community, Honor, Leadership, Industry, and Selfless Service. One Rising Star who has gone above and beyond the call of duty will receive the prestigious Polaris Award at an annual award banquet.

JROTC Awards & Recognition Ceremony (April)
Carolinas Freedom Foundation annually sponsors the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Program Awards and Recognition Ceremony which recognizes outstanding individual performances by cadets in the JROTC programs. Medals are presented for excellence in academics, citizenship, and leadership.

Rising Stars Young Professional Mixers (Summer)
Do you know a young professional who displays extraordinary leadership, selfless service, and pride for bettering their community? Join CFF for young professional after-hours mixers held to recruit top performers to serve as ambassadors in our mission to inspire patriotic citizenship in our youth and community by honoring the service of veterans and first responders.

Patriotic Arts Competition and Exhibition (Spring Semester)
Carolinas Freedom Foundation, in cooperation with the Area Visual Arts Department, sponsors a competition and exhibition. This special program offers a unique opportunity for talented visual arts students to apply their creative skills, producing artwork depicting their concept and visualization of what the "ART PROMPT or THEME" means to them.

Patriotism Bowl (September)
The Patriotism Bowl turns high school football into a college bowl-like atmosphere which raises awareness of citizenship, patriotism, and service. Students, fans, and sponsors honor our first responders and those who serve by wearing camouflaged jerseys, playing patriotic music, bringing in military displays and family-friendly food and entertainment, and staging military flyovers and parachute jumps.

Salute to Veterans Parade and Freedom Breakfast (November)
The Salute to Veterans Parade officially ushers in Veterans Day. The event showcases high school marching bands, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program units, active military units, floats, antique cars, and community and veteran organizations. In 2019, more than 5000 participants and spectators gathered to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Wreath Laying Ceremony (November 11 at 11:11 am)
In a solemn ceremony to honor all veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Carolinas Freedom Foundation conducts an annual Wreath Laying Ceremony in Uptown Charlotte. This ceremony corresponds with the signing of the WWI Armistice or end of World War I, which was held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 marking the end of hostilities with Germany.