BENNINGTON – Bennington Project Independence hosted a flag dedication ceremony at its new site on Harwood Hill on Tuesday.

Executive Director Linda Wichlac said Bennington Project Independence, an adult day service provider, already served many veterans who had served during World War II and in wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf and that they were prepared to help other veterans.

"Hopefully, they will never need us but if they do, we'll be here for them," she said.

Members of American Legion Post 13 folded the flag, unfolded it and hung it. The flag was lowered to half-mast in honor of soldiers killed at Fort Hood in Texas.

Bennington Project Independence Board Member Judy Pennock donated the flag in honor of her father who served in World War II. She said he "would have liked seeing the flag fly."

A Vermont flag was also hung after being presented by Rep. Mary Morrissey, R-Bennington.

Several veterans who receive services at Bennington Project Independence, including Leon Boutin and Bob Ray, both of Bennington, and Donald Russell of Pownal, who all served in World War II; and Francis McLaughlin of Bennington, who served in Korea, attended the service.

— Staff reports