Proposed ordinance would allow gravesite flags to stay up longer

The borough assembly has taken the first step in allowing American flags on veterans’ gravestones to remain up for the month-long stretch between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

After approving the change in first reading at the July 23 assembly meeting, there will be a second reading of the ordinance at the Aug. 27 meeting, with a public hearing before assembly members vote whether to adopt the change.

The current version of the law states: “No temporary decoration, marker, or monument, may be placed upon or near the grave … except on the day of burial, on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day.” Flags have been permitted to remain up for “seven days thereafter” the respective holiday.

The seven-day policy would remain under the proposed change that would allow flags for the longer period between the two summer holidays.

The assembly voted unanimously to pass the ordinance in first reading, with Mayor Patty Gilbert exclaiming, “This is a good thing!”

If approved in second reading, the ordinance would be in effect immediately.

Also, this summer, the American Legion is selling flag holders to accompany American flags at veterans’ graves to “help locals honor their deceased veteran family members.” This is the first year the legion is selling flag stands.

The legion began selling the stands just after the Fourth of July, giving potential buyers plenty of time to purchase one before Veterans Day this November. Once purchased, the American Legion will place the flag holders on the days permissible and will remove the holders once the window has passed.

Tommy Wells, the legion’s service officer, is a part of the group that plants between 150 and 200 flags on the allowed days. He said he recently noticed a lot of flags he planted and picked up were starting to get old and dilapidated. This spurred the legion’s decision to sell flag holders, as they will hopefully help protect the flags from inclement weather.

The legion is selling two different types of flag holders, both of which can be purchased by family members, friends and businesses. The first option is a bronze marker that costs $100. The legion is also selling a more affordable option, a $20 plastic holder.

Both markers, according to the American Legion, come inscribed with the names of the veteran and the person donating the flag holder.