The Citizen
Drivers along Route 38A in Owasco may notice that the state highway is now flanked with American flags in recognition of the July 4 holiday, and that's thanks to a suggestion by Owasco resident Helen Fromel.
When driving through Elbridge over the Memorial Day weekend, Fromel and her husband noticed that the town had hung flags along Main Street.
She was impressed.
“I said 'Look at the flags flying over the street. They look so patriotic,'” Fromel said. “I thought if they could do it, it would be nice if we did it, too.”
Fromel phoned town supervisor Merrill Badman with her suggestion.
At the Owasco Town Board meeting in June, the board approved the purchase of 40 American flags and poles, for about $1,400, that could be put up in time for the annual Fourth of July parade and the festivities at the Owasco Firehouse.
The flags will be taken down after the holiday, but will be flown for every patriotic holiday throughout the year, including Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.
Owasco highway superintendent Mike Wilson began hanging the flags at about 7 a.m. Monday. The 40 flags are enough to decorate every other utility pole along Route 38A from the Auburn city line to Hazelhurst Road in Owasco and then again along the portion of the state highway running through the Hamlet.
In future years, the town may purchase more, Badman said.
“If it works out the way we like it to, maybe next year we'll do it again and put them on every pole in town,” he said.
With three brothers having served in World War II, Fromel puts a high importance on honoring veterans both living and deceased. She hangs a flag outside her home along Route 38A.
To have flags hanging across the town, though, is more noticeable. Fromel said was a nice reminder to everyone about the true meaning of the Fourth of July.
“(Patriotism) is what the day is really all about,” she said. “And they do look nice.”
Staff writer Anne Gleason can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or at anne.gleason@lee.net
When driving through Elbridge over the Memorial Day weekend, Fromel and her husband noticed that the town had hung flags along Main Street.
She was impressed.
“I said 'Look at the flags flying over the street. They look so patriotic,'” Fromel said. “I thought if they could do it, it would be nice if we did it, too.”
Fromel phoned town supervisor Merrill Badman with her suggestion.
At the Owasco Town Board meeting in June, the board approved the purchase of 40 American flags and poles, for about $1,400, that could be put up in time for the annual Fourth of July parade and the festivities at the Owasco Firehouse.
The flags will be taken down after the holiday, but will be flown for every patriotic holiday throughout the year, including Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.
Owasco highway superintendent Mike Wilson began hanging the flags at about 7 a.m. Monday. The 40 flags are enough to decorate every other utility pole along Route 38A from the Auburn city line to Hazelhurst Road in Owasco and then again along the portion of the state highway running through the Hamlet.
In future years, the town may purchase more, Badman said.
“If it works out the way we like it to, maybe next year we'll do it again and put them on every pole in town,” he said.
With three brothers having served in World War II, Fromel puts a high importance on honoring veterans both living and deceased. She hangs a flag outside her home along Route 38A.
To have flags hanging across the town, though, is more noticeable. Fromel said was a nice reminder to everyone about the true meaning of the Fourth of July.
“(Patriotism) is what the day is really all about,” she said. “And they do look nice.”
Staff writer Anne Gleason can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or at anne.gleason@lee.net