The Four Flags of Freedom initiated by Defiance County Economic Development has successfully achieved its donation target of $200,000, to place four Mega American Flags along U.S. 24. The flags measure 30 x 60. Currently, two out of the four flags are waving proudly. The first flag was raised at Keller Warehouse on Flag Day, June 14th, while the second flag was hoisted at Werlor Waste Control on July 1st.
Assistant Executive Director, Paige Wesche stated, “I am very excited to see the final 2 flags of the Four Flags of Freedom going up here in Defiance! This project has already created a huge impact on our community, and we can’t wait to hear everyone’s feedback once it is complete. We cannot thank our contributors enough for their support in making this initiative possible.”
The third flag will be placed at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital and the fourth will be at Premier Bank Operations Center on Elliott Road. Those flags will be installed on Veterans Day, November 11th.
There will not be a ceremony, but spectators are welcome to come watch. Please follow the Defiance County Economic Development’s social media channels on Facebook and LinkedIn for specific times for when the flags will be raised. This will be posted as the date gets closer.
Even though the donation target has been met, fundraising efforts will continue. Each flag is priced at $2,100 and has a lifespan of only 18 months. Any extra funds will be allocated towards the maintenance of the flags and business grants for veterans.
Also, a large plaque honoring local veterans will be installed at each flag location.
Veteran name plates will be attached to the large plaque and can be purchased for $500 through our website www.fourflagsoffreedom.com Premier Bank is proud to participate in the Four Flags of Freedom campaign with the Defiance County Economic Development. “This initiative will serve as a reminder that we proudly stand united in support of our veterans. Together we can spread kindnessand make the Defiance community stronger!” Dave Figley, VP/Senior Commercial Lender at Premier Bank stated.
The Defiance County Economic Development Team thanks all who supported this project for their generous contributions! Lastly and most importantly, we thank all those who have served in the military. We hope local veterans and those currently serving in the military will see these flags as a tribute to their service and sacrifices.
Keller Family Foundation, Citizens Bank, Defiance County Commissioners, Ohio Gas Company, Werlor Waste Control & Recycling, Michele Diehl- In Honor of James Gillis, BPOE Lodge #147, Dark Horse Social Club, Amvets Post 1991, Premier Bank, Kathleen Goedde- In Honor of James W. Goedde, Re/Max Realty of Defiance, B&B Molded Products, James & Barbara Saxton, Enterprise Industrial Park of Defiance- In Honor of Larry & Ray Plummer, City of Defiance, Johns Manville, ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital, Michael & Laurie McCann, Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, James Tingle Family- In Honor of Charles Beard, Arthur Law Firm, MEC Veterans, Mark Baringer, Defiance Rotary Foundation, Keith Hubbard Family, Carol Iler, Paul and Beverly Long- In Honor of Chance Long Sr. Family, Sabre Industries, Sam Switzer Realty, DGL Consulting Engineers, General Motors, D.A.V Chapter 36 Defiance, Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Defiance VFW Post 3360, The Patel Family-Chain of Hotels, Same & Jo Ellen Hornish, The Paulding Eagles.
