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News Release 1 May 2023: Statement and Appeal for Funding Assistance
Muscatine, Edward H. Bitzer American Legion Post 27 is making the following announcement to inform the public of a change to the current policy regarding flag placement, on veterans’ graves, throughout the three Muscatine cemeteries (Greenwood, St. Mary’s and Memorial Park). Our goal is the honoring of our deceased veterans, their families and the community, as a whole, by preserving the memories of all locally buried fallen comrades the entire year.
For decades, members of Post 27, working with volunteers from the community, have assumed the responsibility of placing the flags on the veterans’ gravesites shortly before Memorial Day. Currently, there are over 3,000 veteran’s graves, that we decorate with flags, located throughout the three Muscatine cemeteries. The flags are allowed to fly in place throughout the year and are then removed and replaced with new flags shortly before the following Memorial Day. In the past, the flags have been provided without restriction by Muscatine County through the County Veterans Affairs Commission at no cost to the Legion.
Due to a policy change within the past year, the County Veterans Affair Commission has decided that, if they are to continue to provide these grave flags, those flags will have to be removed from all veteran’s graves shortly after Memorial Day in order that they can be stored and reused the following year.
Upon discussing the Commission’s new flag removal policy with local veterans, and deceased veteran’s family members, American Legion membership has decided to purchase these flags ourselves in order to continue the decades long practice of flying the flags on the graves all year long.
Starting in May 2023, American Legion Post 27 took over the purchase and replacement of these flags. By doing so, the Post will incur a cost of over $2,500 dollars, this year alone, but will be able to assure our veterans and their families that flags remain, in honor, on the graves throughout the year. Post 27 will be conducting fund raising activities to allow for the ongoing purchase of flags for our deceased veterans in the years to come. Donations for ongoing flag purchases are appreciated.
Despite the disagreement regarding the change in the flag replacement policy, the Muscatine American Legion is grateful for the work the County Veterans Affair Commission has accomplished throughout the past years providing flags and is determined to continue in partnership for other Muscatine County veteran related issues.
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PURCHASE YOUR U.S., IOWA AND POW FLAGS
FROM POST 27!
The American Legion has been providing U.S. Flags to individuals and communities for more than 90 years.
All our flags are proudly made in the U.S.A. (no imports!)
All our flags are top-quality, the best you can buy anywhere. (Embroidered Stars. Sewn Stripes with double-stitched seams. Outside edges have 4 rows of lock stitching to resist tearing. Heavy canvas headings with full-sized brass grommets).
Post 27 offers 4 sizes of U.S. flags, 2 sizes of Iowa flags, and one size POW flag.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your flag, please contact our Post for a replacement or refund (563-263-3441).
Shop and compare; our prices are the best for the quality you expect.
Each flag purchased gives financial support to American Legion programs that give help to veterans and military families in need in our local community.
