American flags fly by the hundreds in Cassadaga. The Cassadaga Legion Memorial Post 1280 family has taken responsibility to make sure it happens.

The Legion Post accomplishes the flag flying in a number of ways.

A unique flag sponsorship was initiated several years ago whereby a flag is sponsored by an individual in honor of a veteran, family member, or loved one. The flag is then managed by the Legion family members.

Members of the Legion family make the poles for the flags, attach the brackets to the poles, install the flags, create and install a plaque naming the “In Honor” of and the sponsor.

Flags and poles are removed and stored when weather becomes an issue. Flags are surveyed and given respectful disposal by the Legion Family and Cub and Boy Scouts when appropriate. In Cassadaga this year 203 flags are displayed throughout the village under this program.

Information regarding the flag sponsorship can be obtained by contacting Cassadaga Legion Post 1280. In addition to the Flag sponsorship program the Legion Post offers a variety of flags and flag sizes for sale at the Post to the public.

Another success of the flag program; Cassadaga Legion Memorial Post 1280 in 2016 is third (3) in the country in flag sales through its supplier American Legion Flag and Emblem Sales. Pretty awesome recognition for the community of Cassadaga (population 636), and American Legion Post 1280.

This year the Legion Post also refurbished the Veterans Circle in the Cassadaga cemetery where the American Flag flies front and center in honor of all veterans.

Additional American flags were installed in the Cassadaga cemetery on graves of veterans by local Cub Pack 219 and Boy Scout Troop 219 with assistance from the Legion Family. Flags in the Stockton cemeteries were installed on graves of veterans by students from the Test Assessing Secondary Completion class from Cassadaga Job Corps with Legion Family assistance.

Flags are flying in Cassadaga.

All are encouraged to visit the Cassadaga community to see where the American flag proudly flies in the land of the free and home of the brave.

Richard J. Haase III is a Cassadaga resident.