“Flags at Flanders Cemetery”

On May 20, members of the Niantic Post 5849, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) placed American flags at the graves of American veterans at Flanders Cemetery. This is done to honor our deceased East Lyme comrades. I would like to commend all the VFW volunteers that were involved in this annual project, especially those who took down the old flags and those that put up new flags and flag holders.

In the past, the flags were left up year round. However, we realized that this was not in line with our National cemeteries. We also realized that leaving the flags up year round resulted in many, many ripped and tattered flags, which was not respectful to our deceased comrades. Now, our flags will only be flown for the Memorial Day time period. Flags put up by the East Lyme Historical Society may remain up all year. 

Vinny Melesko

Flag Committee chairman

East Lyme