To the Editor:

The next time you drive through the Borough, take a look at the top of the flagpole and admire the new summer flag as it ripples in the breeze.

The changeover from the smaller winter flag to the larger summer flag occurred last Saturday, in keeping with the tradition of swapping the flags the weekend before Memorial Day. Many thanks to members of the Newtown Lions Club who gathered at the base of the flagpole to unfurl the 20 X 30 foot flag as it was attached to the rope and hoisted up the mast. Firefighters with Newtown Hook & Ladder Co, as always, brought their aerial truck to raise the flag.

The summer flag is generously donated every year by the Lions Club. It will remain atop the pole until mid-October or so, when the 12 X 18 winter flag will take its place. Mike Sorrentino, owner of Newtown Hardware, continues to donate two winter flags every year, and this year the Knights of Columbus, St Virgilius Council 185, at St Rose of Lima Church, donated money to purchase a third winter flag. To Mike Sorrentino and members of the Knights, my deepest appreciation for your generosity and patriotism.

The Flagpole Stewardship Committee consisting of myself, Pat Llodra, Steve Bennett, and Bruce Walczak encourages residents, businesses, and community organizations to donate to the Newtown Flagpole Fund, an endowed account maintained by the Town of Newtown Finance Director. Donations help pay for flagpole maintenance, primarily the top-to-bottom painting that will need to be done again in a few years.

Summer is not summer in Newtown until the summer flag waves high above Main Street. Enjoy its beauty and all that it symbolizes.

Respectfully,

Chris Gardner — Keeper of the Flag

Newtown