CULLMAN – Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214 need you. They are asking for help in obtaining additional American flags to display along Highway 31, and along a portion of Highway 157. As you may know, these flags are placed on display during the year on special holidays. They honor both the living and the deceased veterans from the Cullman area. Unfortunately, many of the current flags have been damaged due to bad weather, old age, etc.
“We can only use the flags for one year before having to swap them out,” said Randy McGraw, VFW Commander. “We have four major holidays that we put the flags out each year, each of those holidays they are out about four or five days. So there’s that, plus if there are any damages from accidents, or in a past incidence we had five flags stolen from along Hwy. 31.”
The “avenue of flags” first began back in July 1969 when two flags flew together next to the courthouse steps. Under each flag was a cross with the names of the two soldiers they honored. One was for Corporal Benjamin Reid, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Reid, who gave his life for his country in Vietnam in May of 1968. The second flag was dedicated to the memory of Christian Fricke, who fought with the Union forces in the South, then later settled here in Cullman.
What began as two simple flags in 1969 has grown to include over 200 flags – all honoring our beloved veterans. We want this to continue, but in order to do our brave men and women justice, new flags are in constant demand. The VFW would appreciate any monetary donation you can afford to help continue to fund such a wonderful cause.
“The entire setup for a 31 Flag, which is what we call it, is $64.00 which is the flag, the pole and the base – everything,” McGraw explained. “We are able to get our flags from Congressman Aderholt, so he is able to get us a better deal.”
If you would like to help the VFW with their flags, please mail a check or money order to VFW Post 2214, 112 Veterans Drive SW, Cullman, Alabama 35055. Make a note on the check that it is to go to 'flag fund'. Keep in mind: all money given is tax-deductible. If you would like more information, feel free to give them a call at 256-739-6611.
