New flags to fly in Chester
|
|
Jerry Stewart (left) receives a flag from John Tracy in Chester recently. Vermont Journal |
Toolbox
By Josh O'Gorman STAFF WRITER - Published: June 13, 2009
CHESTER — It will take more than a thief to keep Chester residents from flying Old Glory.
Friday morning in Town Hall, John Tracy, a field representative for Democratic U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, handed out flags to businesses and organizations that had their flags stolen last weekend.
Tracy said Leahy just returned from visiting Iraq and Afghanistan "where they literally wear the flag on their sleeves" and after reading about the thefts he sent Tracy to Chester with new flags.
"Small towns like Chester symbolize what makes this country great," Tracy said. "The senator feels it's important that in small towns back home the flag is flown."
Sometime during the overnight hours between June 5 and June 6, someone stole flags from TD Banknorth, Chittenden Bank, Misty Valley Books, the law office of Sarah Vail, Adams and Kenney Funeral Home, William Austin's Antiques and the old American Legion post.
"I'm appalled. I think it's terrible," said Jerry Stewart, commander of American Legion Post 67 in Chester. While the Legion's current post was spared, the old post — which now contains apartments — was not. "There are hundreds of thousands of veterans who served and died, and when the thieves are apprehended I hope they're punished."
Each of the flags handed out by Tracy came with a certificate asserting the flag once flew over the U.S. Capitol, with the exception of the flag given to William Austin Smith, owner of William Austin's Antiques.
"I know this isn't quite as big as the one you had stolen," Tracy said as he handed Smith an 8-foot by 5-foot flag, a replacement for the custom-made 23-foot by 15-foot flag he had stolen.
Back at his business at the corner of Main and Maple streets, Smith said he planned to raise his new flag that afternoon.
"I was actually surprised word traveled so far and I appreciate the gesture," he said.
Chester Police Sgt. Mark Phelps said he is investigating a person of interest in town and had just received word from another law enforcement agency of "someone who had recently gathered a large amount of flags."
Stewart said he had an appropriate punishment for the thief or thieves.
"I think it would be good for them to help put flags on the veterans' graves," he said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Chester Police at 875-2233. Anonymous tips are accepted.
josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com
13