120 New American Flags to Be Placed Along Sycamore Street

You may notice something very patriotic happen on Sycamore Street in the coming weeks. 

Two community organizations, McCaffrey’s Markets and Newtown Township are collaborating to purchase 120 new American flags to be placed on every street light along Sycamore Street.

The Sycamore Street Community Association, the Newtown Business Association and McCaffrey’s Market last week announced their plans to match funds from the township to support the flag replacement program.

When Sycamore Street was reconstructed, flags were initially placed in every pole That was changed to every other pole to leave the remaining poles available for other flags and banners. The flags were flown year round and replaced annually.

However, due to several requests from the Newtown American Legion Morrell Smith Post 440 and other veterans groups, flags will now be placed in every pole thanks to the community partnership.

McCaffrey’s owner Jim McCaffrey, Newtown Business Association President Mick Petrucci and Sycamore Street Community Association president Shawn Ward, along with Jim Casey of the American Legion and Public Works Director Ronald Weaver made a joint announcement about the Sycamore Street Flag Replacement Program during a supervisors meeting last week.

In order to extend the life of the flags, they will not be flown year round. They will be put out on Armed Forces Day, May 17, and removed after Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. 

 “Given the harsh winters we experience and the naturally occurring windy conditions on the Street, the flags take a tremendous beating,” Ward said.  “The flags rapidly deteriorate due to the harsh conditions and many others are blown from their poles never to be found.  By flying them during the warmer weather in every pole we can extend the lifespan of the flags.”

“I love the whole program and I am happy that this is being done,” said McCaffrey, who is donating $1,000.

Weaver said the Public Works Department has already purchased the flags, flag staffs and sleeves. They will be assembled and installed over the next few weeks. 

“Thanks for honoring all veterans by placing the flags for display on Sycamore Street,” Casey said.