Rotary: ‘Flags for Heroes’ set for June
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BURNHAM -- Nearly everyone has a hero. A hero can be someone who performed an act of bravery, sacrificed for another or someone who showed courage during difficult times. It can be a loved one who set an example for others or an individual who inspired others through generosity. There are heroes in all walks of life.
Rotary Club of Lewistown discussed heroes during its weekly meeting Tuesday at Birch Hill. The club heard plans for the upcoming Flags for Heroes (FFH) fundraiser scheduled for June 6, 2023 at Kish Park in Lewistown.
Flags for Heroes gives honor, recognition and remembrance to a special person who has been a hero to others. The hero could be a member of the military, police, fire or any emergency responder. He or she could be a teacher, religious leader, someone in the medical profession, family member or a friend, active, retired or deceased. In 2023, flags will honor heroes who passed away or endured during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This is a very important fundraiser and important for the community to see," Rotary Flags for Heroes Committee Chairwoman Amanda Sechrist said.
The fundraiser consists of sponsoring an American flag in a hero's name. The flag will be placed on display during the ceremony in June. A keepsake medallion bearing the hero's name is given to the sponsor. Sponsors do not keep the flag. There are several levels of sponsorship.
Though still in the planning stages, the ceremony will include short speeches, music, food and refreshments. Flags will be on display for two weeks.
"Traditionally, heroes impact individual lives," Rotary President Jim Shilling said. "First responders were there putting their lives on the line during the pandemic."
"This is a good opportunity to recognize those who risked their lives during the pandemic," Rotary Committee Co-Chair Nick Felice said. "It is a general thank you to the community."
Members of Rotary are offering sponsorships until May 16, 2023. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the club's efforts to construct a permanent memorial to honor local heroes from the pandemic. The goal is to raise $10,000 through the sponsorship of 150 flags. The club has already raised $6,000.
"Every person has a hero," Sechrist said. "It could be Mom, somebody special you would like to recognize."