Each spring the Granby Lions offer to Granby residents to dedicate a flag in memory (or in honor) of a beloved veteran. For a donation of $100, a deserving veteran’s name will be placed on a flagpole and will remain there in perpetuity. How did this come about?
Some years ago, the Granby Lions Club (GLC) was looking to honor the town’s veterans. After a series of meetings with town officials and utility companies, GLC obtained permission to mount American flags on the nearly 70 telephone poles throughout Granby center from May (Memorial Day) through November (Veteran’s Day). To fund the project annually, community members, for a small donation, may dedicate a flag in honor of a veteran.
The GLC’s Flag Committee continues to maintain this beloved tradition by inspecting each flag, identifying those that were faded or torn to be replaced with new flags. In 2022, every flag, dedication label and flagpole was replaced. Although a time-consuming project, the committee completed everything in time for new American flags to fly proudly on Memorial Day. Since then, one-third to one-half of the flags are replaced annually due to wind damage or fading. The flagpoles usually last about three to four years, but are replaced when warranted. Each spring GLC’s Flag Committee members can be found upstairs in the Public Works garage’s storage area, inspecting flags and flagpoles and adhering new dedication labels. Damaged flagpoles are marked for recycling, and worn-out flags are dropped at American Legion’s disposal box. Dedication labels are printed and adhered to designated flagpoles.
Granby residents who would like to order a flag this year may donate $100. Because there is a limited number to use, multiple dedications of a single flag are necessary. Please limit your dedication to “In memory of (veteran’s name)” or “In honor of (veteran’s name).” You may include the service branch but be as brief as possible.
Dedications should be printed on a separate sheet of paper and include your contact information (phone or email). Donation checks are made to “Granby Lions” and mailed with the dedication to Granby Lions Club, Flag Committee, P.O. Box 191, Granby CT 06035.
If you have any questions or want more information concerning flag dedications, please email GLC’s Flag Committee Chair Deborah Klotzman at dhkhome1@gmail.com