Volunteers take on task of replacing old American flags at St. Joseph Cemetery this past Saturday

Volunteers load old American flags that once graced the graves of veterans at St. Joseph Cemetery. | Neal Supranovich

Posted By: David Fortier May 28, 2024

By Neal Supranovich, Post 2 historian

A small army of volunteers early Saturday morning, May 25, descended on St. Joseph Cemetery at the top of Terryville Avenue to change out the American flags previously installed at the graves of veterans, on both sides the avenue.

Volunteers from ESPN and City True Value were among those who aided in the replacement of old American flags. | Neal Supranovich

This effort in Bristol was occurring at the same time American flags were being replaced at graves of veterans in cemeteries throughout Connecticut at the same time on Saturday morning.

Volunteers from ESPN, True Value, Boy Scouts, American Legion Post 2, American Legion Post 209, PLAV, Korean Veterans Association along with family and friends answered the call. They were led by the Bristol Veterans Council.

Old flags, three pickup trucks full, were delivered to American Legion Post 2, where on June 15 a formal retirement ceremony will be held for these flags.

Three pick-up trucks full of old flags will be retired in a ceremony on June 15 at American Legion Post 2. | Neal Supranovich

The Bristol Veterans Council thanks all who attended and helped replace the flags at St. Joseph Cemetery as well as those who attended to cemeteries through Bristol and Forestville.

Old flags can be dropped at American Legion Post 2 any time. There is a drop box outside the building for this.

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