Washington County, OH —During the weeks of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day, the Marietta Noon Lions Club will clothe the Putnam Street Bridge with 120 American Flags to honor military service members and veterans.
Each flag is able to be sponsored in honor or memory of a veteran or service member. The honoree’s name and branch of service will be attached to a flag. Sponsorships are $100, include all three holidays, and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com/e/bridge-of-heroes-tickets-273821967877.
The Martin Family Veterans Fund and the Chavez Run for Charity fund at Marietta Community Foundation have sponsored 15 and 5 flags, respectively, for community members who wish to honor someone but are financially incapable. The Foundation is also sponsoring an additional 5 flags, making a total of 25 flags available.
When asked about the donation, a representative of the Martin Family Veterans Fund said “They served their time and they protected us, now it’s our turn to give back.”
“We are thrilled that the Foundation is sponsoring flags for those who may not otherwise be able to sponsor their own flags,” said Rebecca Johnson, President of Marietta Noon Lions. “This removes any financial barriers those honoring loved ones might encounter.”
Those interested in honoring someone but cannot afford to do so can visit Veterans Services at Washington-Morgan Community Action, located at 218 Putnam Street in downtown Marietta, to request an honoree. Requests will be accepted until April 25 or all flags have been spoken for.
Marietta Community Foundation supports philanthropy and efforts to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives. Founded in 1974, the Foundation has grown beyond $48 million in assets, oversees more than 350 funds, and has distributed more than $24.5 million to charities while meeting rigorous national standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector.