For the past year, members of regional Veterans of Foreign Wars chapters have been greeting soldiers returning from war with American flags, donated by the public or purchased with monetary contributions.

But while the program has worked smoothly up to this point, organizers are a little nervous about what they expect will be a surge of returning soldiers over the next couple of weeks. As a result, the organization's district leaders are renewing their call for donations.

The VFW has been told six brigades are expected to return from overseas duty to Fort Drum, which would mean about 1,750 soldiers.

The "Flags for Our Soldiers" program aims to present a flag to each.

Joanne Mathews, president of the VFW District 5, said donations can be made at any local VFW branch.

The district covers Cayuga, Onondaga and Oswego counties, along with the Southern Tier. The program is seeking American porch flag kits, which can retail from $7.95 to $12.95, Mathews said. Monetary contributions can also be made.