More flags to be placed on North St.

    HOULTON — One welcome sign of spring is that the streets of Houlton are again adorned with the stars and stripes as Memorial Day approaches. The Houlton Water Company has installed the flags for SOAR each year in time for the holiday. SOAR of Houlton recently purchased an additional 29 flags, thanks to donations made by local businesses and individuals; however, the goal has not as yet been met – to continue from North Street out to the cemetery on Smyrna Street, and also from downtown to the American Legion Post 47 on the Bangor Road — another 50 poles to be filled! 
    It is not too late to support “Operation: Adopt Old Glory.” With each donation of $35, a complete flag set can be purchased. Many of the flags purchased thus far have been done so in honor or memory of someone who has served in the US Armed Forces.
    Recent donations include a generous donation by Richard and Susan Riley, and a purchase of a flag set by the Houlton Town Council in memory of Sfc. Jonathan A. Lowery. Kevin and Kelly Larson purchased a set in honor of Clifford W. Barker. Flag sets in honor of Captain Mitchell Bailey and in memory of Clair O. Wilmot were purchased by Kristen Bailey and her mother Carol Swallow; Lawrence and Viola Harding, grandparents of SSgt Scott C. Sjoberg (Operation Iraqi Freedom), purchased a flag set in his honor. Bruce, Jeanne and Mitchell Currie purchased a flags in honor of Brett Currie (Granada and Desert Storm) and in honor of Joseph Bossie (World War II and Viet Nam).  Everett and Cynthia Lee purchased flags in honor of Ed Harris and Winston Bartlett and in memory of Everett R. Lee.
    To request an order form please call SOAR headquarters at 532-4378.
    In promoting the display of the American Flag throughout our community, SOAR has become aware of several in disrepair that need to be disposed of per flag protocol. The Chester F. Briggs American Legion Post 47 will be accepting your old worn and torn flags in preparation for proper disposal at the annual flag burning ceremony on Flag Day, June 14 (more details will follow). Please check to see if your flag is one that needs replacing. For additional information about flag protocols, visit: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-proper-flag-protocol.htm.
    One of the questions SOAR members are asked by soldiers they support overseas is, "Are they flying the flag at home?" It is the desire to be able to say, "Yes, soldier, because there is nothing more beautiful to the patriotic eye than the streets of a small town lined with rows of the Stars and Stripes!"