As Southold Readies To Celebrate America's 250th Birthday, Help Is Needed To Restore Town's Flags

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SOUTHOLD, NY — Every year from Memorial Day to Veterans Day, flags flying along Main Road in Southold are a meaningful symbol of patriotism and pride.

But now, the flags are in need of a facelift and restoration as the Southold community gears up to celebrate America's 250th birthday on July 4.

Denise Schlachter of the Southold American Legion - Griswold Terry Glover Post 803 Auxiliary reflected on what the flags symbolize as their red-white-and-blue stars and stripes fly proudly under blue skies: "As many of us know, from living in and traveling through Southold between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, our town proudly displays American flags along a two-to-three mile stretch of Main Road. These flags are a symbol of our patriotism, our unity, and our respect for those who have served," she said.

But, she added, help is needed.

"At this time, many of the flags and poles are in desperate need of repair or replacement," she said. "Restoring this display is a significant and costly undertaking, and we are asking for the community's support."

She added: "With your help, we can continue this meaningful tradition and keep Southold looking its best while honoring our veterans."

The effort to organize the flags and the annual parade is a labor of pure love, Schlachter said. "You never truly understand how much work goes into an event until you're part of it," she added.

And, this year, excitement is mounting for Southold's 4th of July Parade, which will be "extra special as we celebrate America's 250th," Schlachter said.

To that end, she said: "The American flags lining our town from Memorial Day through Veterans Day — more than 100 of them — require a lot of care and expense and they need extra attention this year."

The parade has long been a hallmark of Southold's hometown spirit.

"For 28 years Carol Scott and Joan Tyrer from the Southold Village Merchants — along with help from the Southold NJROTC, a few volunteers, and Southold Town Department of Public Works electrician Jack Berner — have worked tirelessly to make this tradition happen, "Schlachter said.

To participate in America's 250th Birthday Parade in Southold on July 4 at noon, contact Schlachter at 631-466-2527.

The parade will run from Boisseau Avenue along Main Road to the American Legion. All non-profit organizations, kids on bicycles, bands, and anyone who wants to build a float are welcome to join in, she said.

"Let's come together as a community and make this the most fun and festive celebration Southold has seen in the past 50 years!" Schlachter said.

Schlachter said she's working with Southold Town Clerk Dennis Noncarrow on the plans.

Reflecting on the red-white-and-blue tradition, which was born almost 30 years ago and began with the Southold Village Merchants, Schlachter said the flags fly all season, "showing our patriotism and celebrating our country and veterans."

This year, she said: "The Village Merchants were in need of some assistance with the flags and the parade — it's a huge undertaking — so Denis Noncarrow and myself, as members of the Southold American Legion, have stepped up to help."

Any and all monetary donations would be greatly appreciated, Schlachter said.

Checks can be made payable to GTG Post 803, marked "flag donation," and mailed to: Southold American Legion, P.O. Box 591, Southold, NY 11971.