In November 2021, the Morrison Lions Foundation and Morrison American Legion Post 328 began a campaign to raise funds, to replace the 350 flags that line U. S. Highway 30 and IL Route 78 through the City of Morrison, IL. The Morrison community and donors with connections to the area overwhelmingly supported the project. We are grateful for this support!
Funding covered the purchase of “350 flags–that had started to look really grungy–and replaced bent poles,” stated Lion Martha Kophamer.
The money raised funded creation of a better way to store flags. It also established a Replacement Flag Fund. This will allow the American Legion to replace any worn flags throughout the Morrison area, such as at local cemeteries.
“About 325 or 330 new flags will be displayed Saturday, May 28, through Tuesday, May 30, 2022,” added Kophamer. “We will start at 7:00 a.m., Saturday, with two City crews driving trucks [loaded with poles and flags.] One starts at IL 78 south. The other crew starts at the Shell Gas station on W. Lincolnway and goes east to about Yaklich Vision Source. Eight Lions, four on each truck, will take 1.5 hours to install the flags.” She noted the Public Works staff will pre-spray white paint around the post holes, to make them easy to find in the grass.
Immediately following the annual Memorial Day parade, dedication of the new flags will be presented during a Memorial Day Service, held at the Legion/VFW Pavilion in Grove Hill Cemetery, on Monday, May 30. Please join in this Memorial Day remembrance to honor those who sacrificed for our freedom. Celebrate, also, the new United States flags, that represent our continued support of all service personnel and their families.
Immediately following the Memorial Day Service, Morrison Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at American Legion Post 328, 306 E. Main Street. Legion members will serve lunch; their newly-renovated building will be open for viewing.
The Lions Club will have a table where donors may pick up a Commemorative Booklet, listing names of flag fund donors, veterans, and honorees.
The booklet can also be downloaded on the following websites after June 1, 2022:
Morrison Lions Club www.eclubhouse.org/sites/morrisonil/contact.php
Morrison American Legion Post 328 www.morrisonamericanlegion.org
City of Morrison
Odell Public Library www.odellpubliclibrary.com/
Morrison Chamber of Commerce.