AMVETS takes pride in new responsibility

Homepage

Related Photos

AMVETS First Vice Commander and First Vice Commander of the Department of Alabama Lyle Sadler opens a box of American flags that will soon fly above the streets of Athens for Veteran’s Day. The flags were recently cleaned and repaired — free-of-charge — by Classic Cleaner owner Janice Jewell. News Courier/Lora Scripps

Discussion

October 19, 2012

AMVETS takes pride in new responsibility

By Lora Scripps lora@athensnews-courier.com The News Courier Fri Oct 19, 2012, 02:00 AM CDT

— Ask any resident or visitor to Limestone County and most admit that there’s something undeniably patriotic about Athens when the streets are lined with the red, white and blue.

More than 100 American flags fly above the city’s streets for Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day and POW/MIA Recognition Day.

For several years, members of the Alabama Veterans Museum in Athens and the City of Athens have made sure the flags were hoisted. The original idea was by Teresa Smith.

Recently, the job was turned over to members of AMVETS Post 21 in Athens.

After taking over the duty, Lyle Sadler, AMVETS First Vice Commander, said members wanted to make sure they were cleaned.

Sadler contacted Janice Jewell, owner of Classic Cleaners, who volunteered her time. “We always do American flags free,” Jewell said. “There’s never a charge.” She said she believes it is part of her civic duty. She said they cleaned 107 and repaired two.

Sadler said the AMVETS are excited that Classic Cleaners decided to help. “That is a lot of flags,” he said. “We are really thankful.”

Sadler said they plan to have the flags up for a week around Veteran’s Day — Sunday, Nov. 11. “We will take them back down after the holiday,” he said.

The flags are donated by Woodmen of the World. “Right now, we only have a flag every other pole,” Sadler said. “To replace them, we ask that citizens buy a flag in honor or in memory of someone who has or is serving.” There is a plaque in the Alabama Veterans Museum that lists the names of those honored.

The cost is $75. The Alabama Veterans Museum receives 25 percent of the proceeds and 75 percent goes to the AMVETS. According to Sadler and Veterans Museum Director Sandy Thompson, money is used for upkeep of flags, poles and brackets. “We are trying to find boxes we can store the flags in,” Sadler said. The flags are wrapped in plastic so they don’t get dusty or dirty and are stored on shelves.

Next year, Sadler said the AMVETS would also like to look into purchasing POW/MIA flags to fly alongside the American Flag on POW/MIA Recognition Day.

On Thursday, not only did Jewell volunteer her services to the AMVETS, but also purchased a flag in honor of her brother-in-law, Morris L. Jewell, who served in Vietnam.

Those who would like to make a donation or want find out how to purchase a flag in honor or memory of those who serve, can contact Lyle Sadler 256-771-2029.