Exmark Manufacturing donation brings American Flag project closer to goal

BEATRICE – The Beatrice American Legion Post Number 27 got a big boost Friday toward a project to complete acquisition of all-weather American Flags that can be flown in less-than-ideal weather.

Exmark Manufacturing and its employees donated $2,000 to the Legion, helping to bring the project closer to completion.

American Legion Commander Gerald Lamkin says working with Gage County Veterans Service Officer Scott Bates, funds have been raised to purchase five-by-eight flags in the Avenue of Flags project.

"We began soliciting funds, advertising or just putting the word out, for that. Our initial goal was around $22,500. As of two weeks ago, we've raised just over $17,000...and this began in June. It's been a really great community involvement to get us started."

So far, 75 all-weather flags have been purchased, and they will be flown at the Veterans Memorial in south Beatrice on this upcoming Veterans Day.
The project involves the flags, poles already in possession and a trailer to carry them. Families of veterans will be able to purchase a flag with identifiers attached to the poles.

"Currently there are metal tags on the poles. We've gotten with Phil Dittbrenner of Uhl's Sporting Goods...he was the former VSO (Veteran's Service Officer) for Gage County. He'll be making the tags. Their made out of aluminum where we can wrap that around the pole with the name of the individual on a specific pole. We're not going to remove the names that are on the poles currently....we're just going to add to that," Lamkin said.

The donation by Exmark was made during a presentation at the company’s new building at the Gage County Industrial Park….honoring its own employees who are Veterans by having their names on the flag pole plates. The company’s contribution brings the project near to its donation goal.

American Legion officials thanked the company for their generosity and for honoring company employees who have served their nation.
Exmark, a Division of the Toro Company....is a maker of lawn and turf equipment....and one of the largest employers in the area.