On November 1, the Mayor of Montross posted news and a request on Facebook. On November 2, the post was updated. What follows is the text of the post with the latest first. Tl;dr, Greater Montross Partnership for Revitalization (GMPFR) Montross First Friday committee is taking over the Montross Flag Program from Westmoreland Ruritans. The post has been slightly edited to technical reasons. Missing are lots of American flag emojis.
UPDATE - 11/2/24
As of this afternoon the Greater Montross Partnership for Revitalization (GMPFR) Montross First Friday committee has asked and the Westmoreland Ruritans have agreed to shift the Montross Flag Program to GMPFR.
Please join me in thanking the Ruritan’s for their years of dedication in making our town look so good.
The Greater Montross Partnership for Revitalization in a nonprofit Virginia Main Street affiliate who raises money though events and reinvests that money in our community. They additionally act as a voice for the business community to our Town Council.
For the folks that voiced an interest in supporting the flag program look for volunteer opportunities posting or retiring flags on US holidays.
END OF UPDATE.
I received some sad news today and thought I’d try to cast an idea out to see if any nonprofits, clubs or organizations would be interested in keeping this program going and potentially raising money for your good cause.
For at least 30 years ( maybe more) the Westmoreland Ruritan Club has run a patriotic flag program here in Montross. I’m sure you’ve noticed how great the town looks with American Flags lining Kings Hwy.
The flags are paid for annually by businesses or individuals and the Club posts a flag either ground or wall mounted at each location on recognized holidays.
Flag edict is adhered to meaning flags are posted after sunrise and retired before sunset and kept in good condition.
Some participants have purchased additional pennants to recognize a family service member or other.
Here’s the deal.
Like many community based clubs, the Westmoreland Ruritan’s are struggling with an aging and declining membership base.
I was informed today that based on this the club simply cannot carry on with the program.
If any group is interested - fees, Flags, current clients (approximately 80 flags) are all included for the right group or organization to continue this worthy tradition.
If interested please reply or send me a message. I am not the point of contact but I took part in the program for many years - and will be glad to put you in contact with a WR Club officer for further discussion.
Mayor of Montross