As you venture down Main Street and Highway 411 through Centre on Veterans Day you’ll notice the “Avenue of Flags” flying across the median.
The Spirit of Cherokee organizes and promotes The Avenue of Flags on seven major holidays in memory of the deceased servicemen and women of Cherokee County.
Holidays are (weather permitting): President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day.
The Spirit of Cherokee has 452 crosses and flags being flown in memory of Cherokee County’s deceased veterans.
A huge part of the Avenue of Flags comes from the efforts of individuals that help put the flags out and then take them back up. It takes 2 ½ to 3 hours to put out the flags, and same to take them down.
The Spirit of Cherokee says that they’re blessed to have the assistance of Sheriff Jeff Shaver who allows trustee workers to put out and take down the flags and crosses, and help keep the median clean of trash.
Others also do their part to make the Avenue of Flags a success. There’s a big problem with trash being littered along the highway. The City of Centre and the Town of Leesburg take care of keeping the median mowed and manicured.
The Spirit of Cherokee says that they are trying to get street lights along the avenue that will allow them to leave them out for more than one day.
There are several important things to remember when displaying a flag
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset; however, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. The flag should never be fastened or displayed in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
If you would like to volunteer to work with the Sprit of Cherokee, contact the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at (256) 927-8455.
The Spirit of Cherokee is a non -profit organization of Volunteers who sponsor events: The Taste of Cherokee, The Avenue of Flags, Miss Snowflake Pageant, and The County Christmas Parade. They appreciate all the volunteers who help with these events. They are always looking for more volunteers.