Features Editor

The American flags that fly at Troy’s Bicentennial Park on all patriotic holidays are there for a dual purpose: to honor America and in remembrance of deceased Pike County veterans who have served their country since 1916.

The flag display is a project of American Legion Auxiliary Post 70 of Troy.

Each flag is posted in memory of a Pike County veteran and that veteran’s name is also inscribed on a bronze plaque mounted on the Bicentennial archway.

The number of deceased World War II and Korean War veterans is increasing at rapid pace and, this year, the number of deceased Pike County veterans exceeded the amount of available space on the plaque, said Fay Pittman, a member of the auxiliary.

"The Auxiliary needs to purchase additional tablets for World War II and Korean veterans," she said. "The cost will be around $2,500 which is a rather large amount for us, so we need help in raising the dollars we need. We want the name of every deceased Pike County veteran to be placed on a tablet. We want to honor them and remember them always. It is important that we do that for them, their families and future generations.

"We realize this is the time of year when there are so many opportunities to give. But, donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated."

Donations may be mailed to Fay Pittman, 109 Bruce Street, or Dorothy Jinright, 204 Homewood, Troy, AL 36081. Checks should be made to: A.L.A. Memorial.

Arrangements to have a flag placed in memory of a deceased Pike County veteran and his or her name inscribed on a plaque may be made by contacting auxiliary member Jean Gibson at 566-2306.

The cost of a flag and inscription is $75. The flag alone is $25 and an inscription, only, is $50.

Pittman said the American Legion Auxiliary appreciates the community’s support of the memorial flag project and asks for its continued support in this time of financial need.

The auxiliary’s annual Christmas banquet will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at Barnhill’s.

"We would like to be able to announce that night that we have raised the money necessary to add the two tablets to the memorial and begin to honor our recently deceased Pike County veterans," Pittman said.