Rain over the Memorial Day weekend stopped in time for observances at cemeteries all over the county, but not before older cotton flags at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery were damaged, many of them beyond repair.
The Jefferson park and recreation department, which oversees the two cemeteries in Jefferson, is inviting the public to help fund the replacement of 124 flags and repair of another 107 flags.
JPRD director Vicky Lautner explained that as the cotton flags became saturated, the weight of the water pulled apart previous mends and tore weakened places.
The flags at the cemeteries have been donated by families in honor of specific military veterans. It is primarily flags honoring World War Two veterans that need to be replaced. Lautner has provided a list of those veterans who are now “flag-less.” Relatives, friends, and the public are invited to donate for the replacement of a particular flag, or to donate money for a flag for a soldier who might otherwise not be remembered.
The flags will be replaced with 5′ X 8′ nylon flags at a cost of $35 each. For a list of veterans whose flags need to be replaced, click here: Flags 2015
Checks can be made out to the City of Jefferson with “Flag replacement” in the memo line. They should be dropped off or mailed to JPRD at 204 W. Harrison St, Jefferson, IA 50129. Donors who want to specify a veteran should indicate that as well.
The local Does drove has repaired flags in the past. Due to the number of flags needing work, the Does are asking for help with that project. Persons who want to be a modern day Betsy Ross can contact Bill or Shelly Berger at 515-386-3201.
There are a total of 544 flags in the Avenues of Flags at the two cemeteries. Bill Kendall coordinated the patriotic displays for many years, and since 1999, the displays have grown from 326 flags. JPRD has been involved since 2011.
Members of the Elks lodge, the Aktion Club and other volunteers assist in putting up and taking down the flags for Memorial Day. The city takes care of the poles.
Like many, Lautner feels a special kinship to the Avenues of Flags, as her grandfather was a veteran. “This is a tribute to our veterans. They gave their lives, or time out of their lives, for our freedoms. It’s important that we, as a community, take care of these flags,” she said.
