For many years, members of the American Legion Carnie Welch Post 27 have taken care of American flags they’ve placed at veteran gravesites for which they have agreements. But the members would like to see every veteran within the Sallisaw City Cemetery have the American flag at their gravesite.
The American Legion members, however, cannot do it by themselves. They need assistance from the families of those veterans through annual contracts and fees. But for various reasons, some flag agreements have not been paid, therefore some flags have been removed, which the Carnie Welch post does not like to do.
That’s why American Legion members invite families who don’t have flags at their veteran’s grave to contact the post and fill out an agreement. The agreement contains the veteran’s name — and, if possible, their gravesite block, lot and space number — the family member responsible, along with their contact information, and a yearly payment. Once the post has the information, a flag will be placed by that veteran’s headstone, and a yearly reminder will be sent to the family member each January.
Last year, the post improved how it places the flags within the cemetery, which included using larger diameter poles and swivel connectors to allow the flag more freedom when the wind changes direction. The new setup has made a difference in how well the flags last, and makes it easier to change out the flags when they require replacing.
When a family fills out an agreement, they pay the $50 installation fee. Then in subsequent years, the fee is $40. If the family fails to make their annual payment, the post will make attempts to contact them to bring the account up to date. Should nonpayment continue, the post must remove the flag. To return the flag to the veteran’s gravesite, the $50 installation fee must be paid.
Depending on weather during the year, the flags will be changed as needed, sometimes up to five times a year. This upkeep is why there is an annual fee.
Those wishing to start an agreement for a veteran should contact the Carnie Welch post via:
• Telephone — Mike Mouzakis at 479-4204141
• Email — americanlegionoklahoma-post27@ gmail.com
• Facebook — Carnie Welch American Legion Post 27
• U.S. mail — P.O. Box 935, Sallisaw 74955 The post will continue to remember veterans through taking care of the flags, remembering them during holiday programs, and other opportunities within the community throughout Sequoyah County. Help us to not forget our veterans who served our country both near and far.
