MACOMB – Eleven new bricks were dedicated and installed in a ceremony in Macomb's Chandler Park on May 17 to honor McDonough County veterans.
According to Troy Rhoads, a U.S. Navy Veteran and chair of the American Legion Post No 6 Flags of Love Committee, the Flags of Love and Memorial Brick program is designed to recognize honorably discharged, deceased veterans. The program was created in 1977 by Leland 'Tweed' Mummert, Bob Anstine, William 'Bill' Wayland and Kay Ruggles. Veteran bricks are $100 each, with sponsor bricks available for $250 each, Rhoads noted.
Application forms for a memorial brick are available on the City of Macomb's website, under the forms tab.
'The many - and growing - names that appear on the bricks that lead up to the fountain are reminders of the those, who, at one time in their lives, were willing to make that ultimate sacrifice for me and you to live in a free and democratic nation,' Rhoads shared. 'The Flags of Love & Memorial Bricks project is yet another wonderful example of the cord that binds a community together. For all summer patriotic holidays, weather permitting, beginning on Memorial Day and running through Veterans Day, you can see these flags (around 800) flying in honor of those who've served so we all can enjoy the freedoms earned by those who came before us. This helps us carry on the commitment of leaving no one behind.'
While the Flags of Love Committee is responsible for flags, poles and maintenance of the bricks, as well as the installation and upkeep of the flags, Rhoads said the group relies on assistance from volunteers, as well as the City of Macomb.
'We truly appreciate all the volunteer support we get every holiday, especially those who make time to take the flags down in the evening,' he concluded. 'We would be unable to accomplish this if it weren't for them.'
For more information or to volunteer, contact the Office of the Mayor at (309) 833-2575.
