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Chester County Press

Flags for heroes fly in Jennersville

05/27/2014 03:50PM ● By Acl

By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer


Drivers heading southbound on Route 1 near the Jennersville exit got a little more for their Memorial Day holiday weekend drive this year.

They saw a red, white and blue tribute to heroes. 

Throughout the weekend, 144 three-foot by five-foot American flags were displayed near the Water Crest Farm Nursery sign that overlooks Route 1 in Jennersville. Despite a thunderstorm, 25 volunteers from the Rotary Club of West Grove-Avondale – who sponsored the display – placed the flags into the ground during the early evening of May 22. Throughout  the installation, several drivers on Route 1 honked their horns in appreciation of their efforts. 

Entitled “Flags for Heroes,” the idea for the flag installation came when several members of the club saw a similar display in Lewes, Del., which was created by a local Rotary Club. Club members approached various businesses and individuals in the Avondale-West Grove area, and asked them if they would like to donate the $50 cost for a flag in honor of a hero who has impacted their lives.

“We wanted a high-visibility site, one that many people could see, and because the Wells family have been Rotary members for many years, they welcomed the idea of placing their flags on their property," said Rotary Club member Tom O'Neill who, along with his wife, purchased two flags in honor of their fathers. O'Neill said that the club is considering installing flags in celebration of Veteran's Day in November.

Proceeds from the sales of flags will help supply Thanksgiving turkeys for families in the Avon Grove School District, through The Bridge Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.

The names of those individuals and business who purchased the 144 flags for their heroes will be published in the June 4 edition of the Chester County Press.