Montgomery County has decided to not release American flags it purchases annually for placement at gravestones of veterans in local cemeteries for Memorial Day. Each year leading up to Memorial Day, members of Conshohocken VFW Post 1074, other community groups, and individuals place almost 5,000 flags to honor veterans.
During a press conference yesterday, County Commissioner Dr. Val Arkoosh stated that the county plans to release the flags for July 4th because she believes the flags can not be placed safely at this time due to the pandemic.
NBC10s’ Deanna Durante interviewed Walt Harnett, commander of Conshohocken VFW Post 1074, on the issue.
County Commissioner Joe Gale (R) disagreed with the decision. He wrote on Facebook, “Despite my objections, the Democrat Montgomery County Commissioners have disgracefully decided not to provide veteran organizations American flags that are placed on graves for Memorial Day.”
Conshohocken VFW Post 1074 is now raising money to purchase flags on its own. Below is the information on how to donate:
Buying the flags was always the last option. We hoped the elected officials would of came through for our veterans. The cost of 4,500 flags including shipping is about a $1 a flag or $4,500. We had an initial donation of $2500 from some local business owners and now we are reaching out to our community for the rest. We understand not everyone can give. Give what you can. Anything over the amount will go to the VFW and our relief fund so we can support our veterans and our community.
The time table for planting flags is still a go we hope to have them in hand so we can stay on schedule. Please see our events.
Ways to donate-
Mail a check to (Please put Flags in the Memo section)
VFW Post 1074
300 E. 5th Ave
Conshohocken PA 19428Venmo- @conshohocken-VFW
Paypal- @ walt.hartnett4@gmail-com
Cashapp- $WaltHartnett
Let us know what you think in the comments.