The huge flag that hangs in front of town hall has a rip, visible in the second white stripe from the left, and will have to be retired and replaced. The big flag is up from before Memorial Day, through Flag Day, to after the Fourth of July each year. That was Mary Foyt, a former town tax collector who now works at the library, coming out the door Monday. —Macklin Reid photo.
You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high-flying flag — but you’ve got a big rip in the middle.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi confirmed Monday that the iconic giant flag that hangs from town hall during the summer, nicknamed “Old Glory,” has been damaged again from being blown against sharp parts of the building, this time for its last repair.
Fire Chief Kevin Tappe said firefighters were able to repair the rips in time for Flag Day this year but this time was the last.
The 24-foot by 34-foot flag will be retired after the July 4 celebrations and placed into the caring hands of local members of the American Legion, Marconi said.
Retired flags are usually stored until the following Flag Day, when they are retired in ceremonies that include respectful burning by American Legion members.
“We’ll need to get a ladder truck out,” Marconi said of the job ahead, to remove the flag from the front of the building.
This flag made its first appearance about five years ago. It was a gift from the volunteer firefighters. For decades, ones like it have been flown from Memorial Day to Independence Day.
“It means a lot to a lot more people that is there. It brings a sense of patriotism to anyone who stops at the light and sees it,” Marconi said.
A replacement is on order, at a cost of more than $1,200.
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