Ringgold’s “Festival of Flags” group receives $500 donation
Veterans took care of other veterans recently when a Tennesseebased organization donated $500 to a volunteer group that raises veteran’s flags throughout Ringgold each year.
One of the most beloved traditions in the city of Ringgold is its bi-annual “Festival of Flags” celebration, an event that honors deceased military veterans from Catoosa County by proudly flying an American flag in their honor in addition to a wooden cross donning their name.
Locals and tourists alike drive through Ringgold to see the flags during the two weeks that surround Memorial and Veteran’s Days, but the event couldn’t be as successful as it has become without the Ringgold Veterans Memorial Flag Group that plans, erects, and takes down the flags during each celebration.
Tennessee Valley Veteran’s Benefit recognized that hard work on Saturday, Feb. 10, when the organization presented the group with a $500 check to help future funding.
“The group is not in a bind for funds, but we do have ongoing expenses such as new crosses, refurbishing crosses, replacing about 10 percent of the flags each year, and buying paint and weed killer,” explained volunteer Gilbert Childers. “We do enjoy very good support from local businesses and individuals.”
The “Festival of Flags” is a project that was spearheaded by long-time former Ringgold mayor Joe Barger. Last year the flag count was up over 1,500.
Anyone with interest in donating to or volunteering for the group can contact Gilbert Childers at 865300-7057, or Joe Barger at 706-935-2019.