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1,600 flags

| 28 Apr 2014 | 07:19
    On Saturday, April 26, veterans, like Barry O'Neil, and volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 45 completed the placing of over 1600 flags at the local gravesites of veterans throughout the area.The task in Warwick and St. StephenþÄôs Cemeteries, along with many smaller and private cemeteries within the Town of Warwick, was in preparation for upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies on May 26.
    On Saturday, April 26, veterans, like Barry O'Neil, and volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 45 completed the placing of over 1600 flags at the local gravesites of veterans throughout the area.The task in Warwick and St. StephenþÄôs Cemeteries, along with many smaller and private cemeteries within the Town of Warwick, was in preparation for upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies on May 26.
    Photos by Roger Gavan Dylan Claudio was among the Boy Scouts from Troop 45 and volunteers from WarwickþÄôs American Legion Post 214 and VFW Post 4662 to placing more than 1,600 flags at the local grave sites of veterans throughout the area. (Additional photos can be found online at warwickadvertser.com.)
    Photos by Roger Gavan Dylan Claudio was among the Boy Scouts from Troop 45 and volunteers from WarwickþÄôs American Legion Post 214 and VFW Post 4662 to placing more than 1,600 flags at the local grave sites of veterans throughout the area. (Additional photos can be found online at warwickadvertser.com.)
    World War II Navy veteran Ed Hodas, reading from his list of veterans' grave sites, chaired the operation for American Legion Post 214þÄôs Flag Placement Committee.
    World War II Navy veteran Ed Hodas, reading from his list of veterans' grave sites, chaired the operation for American Legion Post 214þÄôs Flag Placement Committee.
    Volunteers from WarwickþÄôs American Legion Post 214, VFW Post 4662 and Boy Scout Troop 45 placed more than 1,600 flags at the grave sites of veterans throughout the area.
    Volunteers from WarwickþÄôs American Legion Post 214, VFW Post 4662 and Boy Scout Troop 45 placed more than 1,600 flags at the grave sites of veterans throughout the area.

WARWICK — On Saturday, April 26, volunteers from Warwick's American Legion Post 214, VFW Post 4662 and Boy Scout Troop 45 completed the placing of more than 1,600 flags at the local grave sites of veterans throughout the area.

The task in Warwick and St. Stephen's Cemeteries, along with many smaller and private cemeteries within the Town of Warwick, was in preparation for upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 26.

World War II Navy veteran Ed Hodas chaired the operation for American Legion Post 214's Flag Placement Committee. And a group of scouts and some parents and Troop leaders served as volunteers.

"Since the Scouts joined us and started doing most of the walking and climbing, it's been a big help to us old guys," said Hodas. "I've been doing this for over 20 years."

Hodas plans to retire from his chairmanship after this year.

During Memorial Day ceremonies in 2006, American Legion Post 214 Commander at that time, Walter Parkinson, mentioned the importance of placing flags on the graves of our veterans.

Scouts heed the call
"You may have noticed," he told an audience of youngsters, "we are old. Someday, you will have to carry on for us."

The following year, in response to that challenge, the members of Boy Scout Troop 45 offered to join the veterans in placing the flags.

And since that time, Troop 45 Scouts accompanied by some parents and Troop Leaders, have been present and willing to make sure that every veteran's grave in Warwick is identified by an American Flag.

Call
If anyone knows of a veteran whose grave site at St. Stephen's Cemetery, Warwick Cemetery or any local cemetery did not receive a flag, they are asked to call Hodas at 986-3029.

- Roger Gavan