Where did patriotic banners on bridge go?
June 3rd, 2008 by adminThe in basket: Ann Lafair writes, “There were some flags on the
Warren Avenue Bridge poles that honored some of the Kitsap County
people who died fighting in Iraq. They were there for some
time, although I do not recall how long. They have been gone
for several months now.”
She wonders why.
The out basket: The city moved them to a spot that provides a
better chance for drivers to notice and read them, and where wind
won’t wear on them so much, says Bob Tulp, operations manager for
Bremerton public works.
That spot is at and near the intersection of Highway 304 and
Farragut Avenue near the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard gate on its
west end.
“We determined with Lynn George that the speed limit on the bridge
didn’t give people enough time to read them,” Bob said. “We wanted
them near a stop light to give the public a real opportunity to see
them.”
Lynette George heads Blue Star Banner Program of Kitsap County, the
organization that has campaigned to get the recognition banners
displayed on local streets. Gold stars denote those “who have given
the ultimate sacrifice and died while serving,” as George’s Web
site puts it, and will be displayed indefinitely. Blue star banners
recognize someone serving in the military, who will be presented
with the banner when he or she gets out.
“Lynn goes out and gets the money and works with the government
entities to get them hung,” Bob said. “When our staff goes out and
hangs them on a Saturday, we are donating our time and equipment.”
There is often a ceremony when a gold star banner is hung, if the
family wishes, he said. A motorcycle group often takes part.
The flags were on the bridge for a year or less before being moved
several months ago, he said.
Learn more about the program at www.kitsapbluestar.org or (360)
440-6497
Tags: banners, Bremerton, Warren Avenue Bridge
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Recent Comments