The Morning Call's Darryl Isherwood last week told us that Lehigh County's American Legion is upset at tattered and dirty flags adorning veterans' graves. Currently, the county purchases 34,800 flags a year and hands them out to veteran groups before Memorial Day so they can honor the fallen with a sign of respect.Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham will ask Commissioners to approve the purchase of an additional 10,000 American flags for the graves of veterans. Embassy Bank has agreed to donate $2,500 for the purchase, which will total somewhere around $10,000.
“These are men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Cunningham said. “They are true heroes and deserve to be treated accordingly. That’s one of the reasons why we gave all of our military personnel a full rebate on their county property taxes in 2007 and 2008. We were the only county in the state to do so and we did it because we value and appreciate those who served our country.”
But veterans' groups really should remove flags during the winter. In Northampton County veterans’ groups pick up the flags in early May for placement on Memorial Day. Flags must stay up until July 4, and many cemeteries keep them in place until Veteran’s Day. But they should be removed for the winter.
As an eagle scout I can say that this project would generate much interest in the BSA. Many scouts who are looking to become eagles need to fulfill a hefty service project requirement. For mine, I collected an enormous amount of flags and retired them. If the city is looking for volunteers for such a project I'm sure the BSA would help out. It would solve a problem and help youths fulfill a necessary requirement. Sounds like a perfect match to me.
ReplyDeleteAnd some more apple pie for all of us..
ReplyDeleteAs a child, I remember distributing flags in cemeteries when my father was Commander of the American Legion. I probably did not really understand the sacrifice that was made, but I always had respected our Vets.
ReplyDeleteThe recent news article suggested that the County was paying $1.66 per flag as compared to better quality flags that could be purchased through the American Legion at ~$0.87 per flag. That is nearly half the price. If this is the case, the County should explore their purchasing options. It appears the reference to the $0.87 has since been removed from the online article.
While I am in no way trying to be dishonorable in any way. How did this come to be the County's responsibility?
ReplyDeleteI can't find the clip right now that aired on WFMZ. There stood this woman graveside bellyaching about how the county hasn't put a flag on her father's grave. What? She didn't care enough to spend $1 on her own father. And she is upset that the government wasn't concerned enough?
They didn't show it on frame but it sure seemed like she had some large cojones!
I have no comment on Lehigh County's decision on the flags since I don't live there. But I will make a general comment.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad left for the US Navy the day after he graduated from high school in 1945.
Following his service time, his college education was paid for by citizens of the United States. Later in life, he utilized the VA to get his many medicines at a significantly reduced price. After he passed away, his grave marker was provided by the US government. Following that, my mother received about $1000 a month from the VA for two years, supporting her in assisted living until her recent death.
I realize everyone's story is different, and that I speak only for myself - but my father's service was just one small part of his life, a part he didn't like very much.
He was willing to serve his country - and his country was generous in expressing its appreciation. I can ask nothing more of the citizens on his behalf.
In Northampton County the flags are taken down in winter. Just because a few old Vets get upset we have to get crazy and do what they want. As someone in a family of Vet's, sometimes it is ok to just say no.
ReplyDelete