HAVERHILL , — Ever since our nation’s symbol was created in 1777 it has served as a source of pride, creativity and as a beacon of light and trust. The symbol also honors those who perished to preserve our country free.
The Field of Honor that the team features annually on the North Andover Town Common serves as a memorial to members of the military and those who served their country is a way for the , Exchange Club of Lawrence , and the Andovers. This is the seventh year of the screen.
From its assembly on , May 20 , in recognize of , Memorial Day , to this Saturday in recognize of , Flag Day , and National Flag Week, the village common is bright with 372, 3- by- 5- foot flags.
Exchange members , Bob Wescott , of , Andover , and , Mike Sousa , of , North Andover , sell colors for$ 50 including a coated, memorial tag.
” Following our dedication ceremony this Saturday, people who purchased a flag for$ 50 can take it home”, Wescott said. ” We will only charge$ 30 if they choose to donate it to us for reuse next year.”
He said his team expects to increase about$ 10, 000 from this year’s show, including funds from donors. All of the money raised will go to fellowships and to the next companies: Clear Path for Veterans, the , North Andover VFW Post 2104, The Movement Family in , Lawrence , and the , House of Mercy , in , Lawrence.
Wescott, whose been a part of Exchange for 44 times, said his team buys flag products from , Colonial Flag Foundation , along with a license to make the Field of Honor.
He praised many of the flag buyers, saying,” One of the most gratifying things is to hear the stories of the family they want to honor.”
Closing rites are Saturday from , 10 a. m. to noon , and will include life patriotic songs performed by the Sax Pack, readings of writing plus the checking of 30 to 40 passion tags at a time. Presentation speech is , Eric Ryan , from the , VA , in , Bedford.
The Haverhill Exchange Club , honors our nation’s symbol each season though its But Happily We Weather system. The transfer team’s Americanism initiatives promote satisfaction in country, regard for the flag, and respect for American freedoms and its service men and women are a significant component of the program.
No sign inspires respect and love of state more than our British flag, said , Ron Carpenito, who along with club members , Scott Pare , and , Lisa MacDougall , are in charge of the program.
” That is why we encourage all Americans to house fly the flag as an continued, visible manifestation of that respect”, he said.
The team chooses one buyer and one business each year based on their city’s top-notch flag display. Although the awards are typically given on time for Flag Day, there are currently some other events, but this week’s award winners will be announced in a few weeks.
” We ask our people to look out for great flag shows beginning in April, and then we drive around to find the most popular displays, which may include a great pole and light, as flags may be lit at evening otherwise they will be taken down,” said Carpenito. ” So far we’ve narrowed it down to three or four flag displays”.
The resident and business with the best displays will be honored during a luncheon, where they will receive plaques recognizing their patriotism.
” It makes me feel incredible inside that we have people who believe in America,” Carpenito said. The flag represents that everyone is welcome, and it sums up everything our nation stands for. I’m so passionate about our flag and the proud flag-flying citizens who fly it.
___
( c ) 2024 The Eagle- Tribune ( North Andover, Mass. )
Visit The Eagle- Tribune ( North Andover, Mass. ) at www. eagletribune .com
Distributed by , Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
