NORWICH – For over a month now, the flagpole in West Park has stood bare and unadorned, ever since the Memorial Day theft of the 10 by 15 foot American flag that once flew there.
Shortly after the flag’s theft, Frontier employee Justin Matteson spoke with Julie Gates, director, Chenango County Department of Buildings and Grounds. When he learned the county had no extra money budgeted for another flag, he reached out to his fellow co-workers at Frontier, asking for donations.
The response, said Matteson, was overwhelming.
“When I decided to take up a collection to purchase a new flag on behalf of the local Frontier employees, I had no idea or expectation that we would surpass the amount needed to purchase this special, heavy-duty flag,” he added.
In just a few short weeks, Frontier employees had raised the $210 necessary to replace the stolen flag. In fact, they raised approximately $260, said Matteson. The remaining money will be donated to a local food bank.
Gates, speaking on behalf of the county, said everyone she’s spoken to is “very excited and extremely thankful” to have a flag back in the park where it belongs. Over the past month and a half, she added, a number of people have commented on how strange the park looked without it.
And with the Friends of the Park’s renovation of West Park finally finished, yesterday’s flag raising ceremony was the perfect way to put the finishing touch on the park. The ceremony, said Gates, was a touching one, attended by a small group of Frontier representatives and members of the American Legion Riders, Post 189.
“The ceremony was an honor, and I’m proud to be a part of such a special donation of community service, both from Frontier, for donating the flag, and the American Legion Riders, Post 189, for placing the flag in its new home,” she added. “Knowing we have dedicated individuals, groups and companies that care about our community and our county makes me proud to live here and work here.”
According to the small group of Frontier employees who attended the Wednesday’s ceremony, it’s all about actively contributing to the community, whether it’s donating to a worthy cause or volunteering at a local event. Getting involved and giving back, they added, is a top priority for the company.
Frontier has also offered to cover the cost of lock box units for the flag pole, to prevent future thefts.
“[Frontier] called me to see where they could help; I did not ask them for a new flag,” stated Gates. “I was grateful and delighted to know we would receive a new flag to replace the one someone so selfishly took. It’s like putting the icing on the cake; the park needed its final touch.”