Vets seek volunteers

I am an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and along with members of the American Legion and the VFW, my husband and I are involved with the posting of the flags along 395 and Line Street on holidays throughout the year. Bishop residents and tourists to our town have long commented on the beautiful sight of those American flags flying as they go through Bishop. I had a conversation with someone last week and I was surprised to hear that she thought the city of Bishop paid employees were responsible for posting the flags, which is not the case. Members of both groups, (along with volunteers when we can get them) pick up the flags the day before the holiday, get up at 7 a.m. on the holiday morning and post the flags, the go back at 4 p.m. and pick them all up and put them back in storage. We also make sure they are clean and in good shape, we buy new ones when needed. We love doing it and appreciate the response from residents and tourists alike but most of us that do the flags are between the ages of 60 and 90. We have members in their 80s and 90s who do this 8 or 9 times a year, year after year. This is not sustainable as many of us have medical or physical issues that will make this become more and more difficult, if not impossible, to continue. As with all the community groups are membership is aging and need new younger blood. We would certainly benefit from younger people getting involved with these organizations or just volunteering to help on a temporary basis or more. High school students all need community service hours to graduate and this qualifies! We also appreciate donations to the American Legion during the month of May that helps to keep this tradition going. So if you see us out a Von’s, Dwayne’s, or Grocery Outlet this month offering poppies please drop something in the kettle. The money is well spent on veterans issues and keeping the flags flying. Feel free to email me Kathy Donovan Hoelscher @kaathyd@gmail.com and I’ll direct you to the correct person to help you volunteer. And I want to tell you that it is inspirational to be a part of something so patriotic and community minded. Memorial Day is coming soon, we’ll be out on the parade route with poppies and hope to see you there, please ask how you can help!

Kathy Donovan Hoelscher Bishop