Flags To Be Sold To Place At Township's 'Field of Honor'

The public is invited to purchase flags beginning this Saturday at the annual Bernards Township Charter Day that in November would be flown at to honor veterans for the township's first "Field of Honor."

The 3 by 5-feet “Field of Honor” flags will be sold for $30 at the Beautification Task Force table at Charter Day. Flags also may be purchased online at the township website, where detailed information and a printable application can be found, according to a news release from the township.

All proceeds will be earmarked for Community Hope, a Morris County-based non-profit that operates a program for homeless and recovering veterans at the Lyons campus of  the Veterans Administration N.J. Health Care System in the township, the release said.

There are a limited number of flags available, so those interested are encouraged to buy early. Flags will be sold until they run out, or until Sept. 30, whichever comes first.

Starting this year, for two weeks in November, the front lawn of the Bernards Township Municipal Building at 1 Collyer Lane in Basking Ridge, will display a field of American flags flying in precision formation to mark Veteran’s Day. 

The event, offered by the Beautification Task Force of Bernards Township, affords the community an opportunity to honor a veteran they know, recognize a member of the armed forces, or support a homeless veteran through the purchase of a flag.

In partnering with Community Hope at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, proceeds from the event will benefit homeless veterans living in the area, the release said.

“The Beautification Task Force is looking forward with great anticipation to this event in the fall.  What a lovely way to honor our veterans in time of war, support a local cause, and bring the community as a whole together than with projects such as this one,” said Laura Begg, a member of the Task Force and developer of the program.

“Creating a common goal such as this helps to bring our community together, and visually, it will be a beautiful testament to our support for the greater issues that touch all our lives," Begg said.

Scott Spitzer, Township Committee liaison to the Beautification Task Force, said "This is a wonderful way for our residents to honor and remember those who have served our country. I urge our residents to participate in this community initiative which will also enhance and beautify our Town Hall grounds."

The American flags being offered  will be displayed on a 6 foot pole, the release said. Accompanying the flag will be a ribbon with a written dedication to the person being honored.

A dedication ceremony is scheduled to take place at noon on Nov. 6 on the front lawn of the Bernards Township Municipal Building. Township veteran and residents are encouraged to attend.

For questions or to volunteer, please contact Laura Begg via email at beautification@bernards.org.  Information regarding Community Hope may be found at their website.