By SAXON DAUGHERTY
Staff writer
The Oil City American Legion post recently gave the city a new fleet of flags just in time for Memorial Day.
Larry Bowers, who serves as the Legion’s activities chairman, said a total of 22 new flags have been placed on the Veterans and Jonathan R. Kephart Bridges, plus another 32 street flags that hang on lamp posts have been installed.
Some of the flags on the bridges were accompanied with new poles as well.
A nylon lanyard, eyes and brass snaps were replaced Wednesday by post members on the Veterans Bridge, and a new 5 feet by 8 feet flag was hung in honor of all those who served and sacrificed for the country.
All the work was made possible through a post flag fund from donations made in honor or memory of a veteran.
Bowers said the American Legion has been maintaining the Veterans Bridge flagpole for about 15 years, as well as the poles outside the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry on Seneca Street, the Oil City Library and on Central Avenue.
Bowers isn’t sure how much money was raised to make the new flags a reality, but he is very pleased with the support of people in the community.
“Since Sept. 11, 2001, you have no idea how much patriotism is shown by the people of Oil City and Venango County,” he said.
When motorists drive by the flags each day, especially during Memorial Day weekend, Bowers just wants them to remember one thing.
“Freedom is not free,” he said. “When they see any flag, just think to thank a veteran.”
