Willows will display its patriotism during holidays

The Community Wish Foundation is willing to tackle what residents of Willows have wanted for a long time — a grand show of patriotism just a few days a year.

The local nonprofit organization is working with the Willows Public Works Department to line the downtown streets with American flags on patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the Fourth of July.

It is something most communities across the United States do, acknowledged Community Wish President Rae Ann Titus, as there is nothing quite like the Stars and Stripes billowing in the breeze on a sunny, blue-sky day.

"It's just the right thing to do," Titus said.

Colusa, Williams, Maxwell, Orland and Corning have long erected flags on traditional occasions, including Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.

People have often remarked that Willows needed an Avenue of Flags to visibly honor the great heritage of our nation and the remarkable men and women of the military who have sacrificed for the liberties Americans enjoy today.

Skyler Lipski, Public Work director, said he met with Community Wish earlier this month to work out the logistics of the project.

The city has agreed to allow Community Wish to place 140 American flags along Sycamore Street, extending five blocks from Murdock Street to Tehama Street.

The Community Wish has solicited the help from Willows veterans groups and volunteers to erect the flags five to nine days a year, and store the flags when not in use, Lipski said.

The Willows City Council Tuesday acknowledged the importance of recognizing patriotic holidays in such a way.

"We can't do enough to show our support for our great nation," said Councilman Bill Spears. "It will spruce up our downtown."

Titus said Community Wish plans to purchase flags made in America, at a total cost of about $4,000.

This is the second patriotic project considered in Willows.

The Kiwanis Club is still working on a Highway Heroes project on Wood Street to recognize community members serving in the armed services around the globe.

City officials and the Kiwanis Club are in talks with the California Department of Transportation and Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Lipski said.

Titus said she expects Avenue of Flags project to be completed and the flags in place by Memorial Day.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 934-6800 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.