Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Chamber to hold fourth annual flag-raising ceremony
DOWNINGTOWN >> The Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans by holding its fourth Annual Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.
The event will take place at the Veterans Memorial Flag Pole, Pennsylvania Avenue, Downingtown. The ceremony is at Kerr Park and the GPS location is 19 Park Lane, Downingtown, PA 19335.
The public is encouraged to attend. Taking part in the flag raising will be VFW Post 845, American Legion Post 475 and Sons of the American Revolution, Philadelphia Chapter. Patriotic music will be provided by Kevin Pierce. Area elected officials have also been invited.
Speakers will be Glenn Gilbert, Commander of American Legion Post 475, and Marty Peterson, Commander of VFW Post 845.
“The Chamber is very proud of our ability to keep a flag flying high over Downingtown. The donations from the local community have been instrumental in our ability to continue this project. I believe that the large flag and adjoining memorial are a fitting tribute to those who have served in our military; past, present and future,” said Mike Glover, Chamber President.
“In 2015 Downingtown Borough Council designated the Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce as the organization responsible for the care, maintenance, and purchasing of new flags at the Veterans Memorial Flag Pole in Kerr Park,” said Steve Plaugher, Executive Director at the Chamber.
Since then more than $15,000 has been raised. The money was used to paint the 120’ flag pole and purchase multiple 30’ x 60’ flags that are flown on holidays and 15’ x 25’ flags that are flown on other days. “We are committed to raising funds necessary for flag pole maintenance, purchase of new flags, and creating an endowment fund to insure that our American Flag is proudly displayed in perpetuity,” said Plaugher.
To donate go to the Chamber of Commerce website www. dtrcc.com and click on the “Chester County Friends of the Flag” tab. Checks may be sent directly to the Chamber office (make payable to Chester County Friends of the Flag, Inc.) and mailed to Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce, 216 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.