Due to the efforts of many Berks County residents, Gilbertsville flag manufacturer Flag Zone has been issued a state wavier to reopen, allowing flags to fly over Berks County Veterans’ graves for Memorial Day 2020.
“The waiver is a result of the overwhelming groundswell of voices from concerned, patriotic citizens of this county who were extremely upset regarding the impending absence of American Flags to decorate the graves of veterans for Memorial Day 2020″ said Berks County VA Director Ken Lebron.
“The Berks County Commissioners heard those concerns and responded expeditiously by relaying those concerns directly to the leadership in Harrisburg. These unified efforts from the community, our local legislators and County Commissioners have proved to be fruitful as the waiver was extended to Flag Zone by the Wolf administration late last week.”
Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach gave special praise to Kelly Laubach, Berks County Purchasing Director and Ken Lebron, Berks Veterans Affairs Director special praise.
“Kelly Laubach and Ken Lebron never gave up on securing these Flags in order to honor our Veterans. They also deserve credit for making this possible.”
Penske Trucking is donating a large panel truck to pick up the flags. Volunteers from the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club will drive the truck, pick up the flags and deliver them to the Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday morning.
Cemetery Pick-ups for Flag Distribution Days will be at 722 Cherry Street, Reading PA 19602 on the following days:
- 5/20 Wednesday from 1pm – 5pm
- 5/21 Thursday from 1pm – 5pm
- 5/22 Friday from 1pm – 5pm
Cemeteries who cannot make these days or times can call or email the BCVA to schedule an individual appointment to pick up their flags. Phone: 610-378-5601 Email: veterans@countyofberks.com
The Berks County Veterans Affairs issued a call to action for community service and volunteerism for support of your local cemeteries, while exercising caution by wearing face masks and implementing social distancing practices, in the placement of the more than 50,000 American Flags on veterans graves before Memorial Day.
