American Legion Hopes to Restore Historic Flagpole

According to the American Legion Post 53, the historic flag pole at has fallen into a state of disrepair and desperately needs a restoration.

Legionaire Chris Stout told the council Wednesday night that the flag pole, constructed in 1951 by four civic groups, is now "an eye sore" and an embarrassment to the community.

Utilizing private donations and hopefully some village funds, he hopes the flag pole can be restored to its original state with a plaque commemorating the history of the park at the base.

Stout said the pole's final cost comes in at $9,000. He already has a firm commitment for roughly $7,300 but appealed to the council for the remaining $2,000.

"We'll have to dig deep for funds," responded Ridgewood Mayor Keith Killion. "It's a tough year but we can come up with something one way or another."

Stout said two of the Boy Scouts that raised the flag in 1951 will be on hand to raise it once again in 2012 at the Veterans Day ceremony.

The flag to grace the flagpole, as it was in 1951, will be one that has flown over the U.S. Capitol.