The city of Venice wants to fly your U.S. flag.

Venice City Council this week adopted a program to accept flag donations to be flown at various public grounds.

“The city has a proud heritage of patriotism,” said City Manager Ed Lavallee, who asked for council’s blessing to implement the program.

“This provides mutual benefit to donors and our city. Donors are given the opportunity to enjoy the public display of their donated flag. The city is privileged to participate in the recognition of patriots and patriotic events that stand for our liberty and freedom.”

Governmental institutions lead the way in display of patriotic colors, he said.

“We are proud at ceremonial events to give prominence to this symbol of the sacrifices and achievement of historic and modern day patriotic
heroes,” he said.

Council adopted the flag program Sept. 11, the 11th anniversary of terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

A fallen trade center beam was dedicated at Patriots Park in Venice that morning to honor those who died in the attacks and all those who died before them and since in the name of democracy.

The city will accept the flags with the express purpose of flying them on public grounds, Lavallee said.

The donor receives a commemorative letter of appreciation from the mayor and city council. Donors will be recognized publicly by council for their civic contribution.

“Recipients of these ceremonial flags typically store them away as keepsakes,” Lavallee said. “While there is sentiment attached to receiving the gift, in most cases the flag will not again see the light of day, nor fly proudly from a vaunted site.”

Donated flags, he said, will be flown with dignity.

Individuals and organizations may make donations in memory of a person or institution.

Email: ggiles@venicegondolier.com