In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States and 175 years of Huntley History, 425 American flags have been displayed since Memorial Day weekend at the Ruth Family Freedom Silo, located at 11718 Reed Road (corner of Reed Road and IL-47), creating a tribute visible to all who pass by.
“It’s been outstanding,” Huntley American Legion Post 673 Sons of American Legion (SAL) Squadron Commander George Lewerenz said of the response.
About 60 flags have been assigned as of August 1, and organizers plan on having the flag display up through Veterans Day November 11. The site is part of land which has been in the Huntley family for eight generations.
“The property owner, Chuck Roth, got the idea while in Florida,” Huntley SAL Finance Officer Kevin Goers said. “Ruth’s firm, Alliance Contractors, installed them.”
Each flag represents a hero and tells a unique story. Flags may be sponsored in honor or memory of military personnel, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, community leaders, hometown heroes, family members, friends, or anyone who has made a meaningful impact on your life.
Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate by sponsoring a flag in honor or memory of a hero. Sponsorship provides a lasting tribute while helping support an important cause. Flag sponsorship is $50 per flag. With a sponsorship, a tag will be added to a flag with the name of the person you are honoring.
“This inspiring display provides a meaningful opportunity for our community to celebrate patriotism, remember those who have served, and recognize the heroes among us,” a SAL press release said.
All proceeds from Huntley Sons of the American Legion Squadron 673 – Flags for Heroes will benefit Veterans Organizations through the Huntley American Legion Post 673, helping support those who have served our country and continue to strengthen our community.
Here is a link to the flag sponsorship page.
About Huntley SAL
SAL squadrons are made up of sons whose fathers served in the military.
Current officers of the local SAL: Squadron Commander, Lewerenz; 1st Vice Commander, Bill Ferris; 2nd Vice Commander, Joe Mahoney; Adjutant, Tim Lawless; Finance Officer, Goers; Chaplain, Mike Pickell; Sgt-of-Arms,Pete Serpe; Service Officer, Allen Gullang and Historian, Mike Thackwray.
“I always tell people who ask is the main reason all of us joined SAL is to honor our fathers and grandfathers,” Lewerenz said.
