Encouraging patriotism
Kenny Winslow has worked since 2002 fundraising for money to purchase flags for patriotism in Southport.
Kenny Winslow fundraises for military flags in Southport
By Nicole Davis
An already patriotic fundraiser, the Southport Flag Project aims to bring more pride this upcoming year with five new flags for each branch of the military. Kenny Winslow, on the fundraising committee, said each flag will symbolize the service each local veteran has given to their country.
“It’s more patriotic in a sense of remembrance,” Winslow said. “The older you get the more you think of the times you served in battle. It would be inspiring much more patriotism, because everyone has someone they know that was in the navy, army, coast guard…”
Still in beginning fundraising process of the idea, Winslow said if they can raise enough money for the five flags costing $200 each, they will dedicate them in their annual Southport Flag Retirement Ceremony which takes place on Flag Day, June 14, each year. He said they hope to get a pool of veterans to dedicate the flags to each year, such as Southport Mayor Jesse Trestruth, retired Army veteran, who will be honored with the first Army flag.
The Southport Flag Project began in 2002 when George Julius, now deceased, announced his goal of putting an American flag on every utility pole in Southport. The flags are put up in April and taken down early October. There are 252 flags and 175 plaques honoring veterans. The flags get two to three years of use, and then are properly retired during the ceremony.
Winslow, a retired letter carrier who served in the Army Reserve for six years, said when he was approached by Julius in 2002, he made the pledge to get the $5,000 needed for initial start-up. He said he would canvas houses in his blue slacks, white shirt and red blazer and residents were very receptive. Donations can be mailed to Southport Flag Project, 276 Anniston Dr., Southport, IN 46227.
“It makes me proud and is a positive note for the community,” Winslow said. “No tax dollars are used. People are very generous. People look forward to April because they know the flags will be going up.”
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