Patrolling down R.H. Johnson Boulevard before or after a national veterans holiday always warms my heart knowing that the flags flying carry the names of deceased veterans who served our country.
I am hopeful all residents traveling up and down this boulevard are as touched as I am by these flags. The flags, numbering approximately 125, are raised 3-4 days before a national holiday and lowered 2-3 days after the holiday by members of the American Legion Post No. 94 of Sun City West.
The following eight veterans holidays are recognized, President’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day.
Casket flags or veteran funeral flags can be donated to the American Legion by dropping them off at the Sun City West Posse headquarters, 20450 N. Stardust Blvd.; PORA, 13815 Camino del Sol; or the Sun City West Foundation, 14465 R.H. Johnson Blvd. Information needed is the name of the veteran, branch of military service, rank, date of birth and date of death. This information is printed on the flag before it flies over our community.
If you notice a flag down or torn, please contact the Sun City West Posse at 623-584-5808. They will make contact with the appropriate Legion personnel. Worn or old flags that need to be retired (destroyed) can be dropped off at the Posse and are picked up by the American Legion for their flag retirement ceremonies. Anyone wanting additional information can contact Frank Adelman at 623-546-9975. Frank is an Army veteran, a member of Post No. 94 and is also a past Commander of the Sun City West Sheriff’s Posse.
Remember, when you are driving on R.H. Johnson Boulevard and the Legion members are raising and lowering the flags at 5:30 a.m. before and after the holidays to slow down to keep our veterans safe.
Jan Vejrask Sheriff’s Posse Public Information Officer
