Flags stolen from downtown area

By Martha Petersante
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

"What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous flight...." It is those immortal words that conjure a picture of Old Glory in the minds of Americans.

In an effort to raise patriotism and celebrate the Statewide Veteran's Day observance this past year, residents of Northfield, Vt., founded the Northfield Community Flag Project.

"The intentions of this project were to project patriotism and keep the flags up through the patriotic season; Memorial Day through the 4th of July and Labor Day," according to William Passalacqua, head of the flag project.

"The person who spearheaded the Statewide Veteran's Day observance parade from Richmond, VT, did a similar flag project in Richmond," Passalacqua said. "So he gave us the suggestion that it would be a nice way to decorate the streets, but also as a lasting tribute to the event we had."

Even the tiniest details were considered when planning how the flags would look, according to Pasalacqua.

"I decided to go with the size and banner style that slips over the pole, and a white pole with a white mount set that looks very attractive," Passalacqua said. "It hangs from the pole at not the typical 45 degrees, but at 90 degrees to get the full effect of the flag."

A major obstacle for the project was fund raising, according to Passalacqua.

"We went out and solicited people to donate and had set up certain levels," Passalacqua said. "A $30 donation got your personal inscription on a community wall hanging. The actual flag set cost about $60, and that was our target."

According to Passalacqua, there is something special to note about each of the flags.

"There is a name behind every flag," Passalacqua said. "Some are in memory of, in honor of, or business that have contributed."

What is troubling to many involved with the project is the disappearance of roughly 40 flags from their posts, a property loss of approximately $2,000.

"I think it is mainly college students and high school students," Passalacqua said. "It could even be some young adults in the community. Most of them have been stolen from the Central Street area."

Passalacqua also said he believed that some flags could have fallen from their mounts due to weather and heavy traffic.

During the summer, one stolen flag was recovered from a summer school student. According to Passalacqua, the proper measures were taken in the case.

"The way that it was handled was the Flag Project and Northfield Community just wanted the flag back," Passalacqua said.

"Technically, however, it could turn into an honor violation."

The local community is asking that any student having a flag in their possession please return it. The flags have sentimental value to many Northfield residents, including both Norwich University students and Norwich alumni.

The following is the address of the Northfield Community Flag project, to which any information regarding the flags can be delivered.

The Northfield Veteran's Memorial Fund Ltm
PO Box 88
Northfield VT 05663

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