October 19, 2017

A flying tribute to World War I

By The American Legion
Honor
A flying tribute to World War I
A World War I flag (lower right) is flown at The American Legion Heaquarters in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Photo by Clay Lomneth / The American Legion

Centennial flags from national commission available; D.C. memorial target of proceeds.

Anyone with a flagpole – or a plot of grass – can commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States’ involvement in World War I, and help get a national monument to the conflict built at the same time.

The United States World War One Centennial Commission is coordinating events and activities commemorating the U.S. centennial of The Great War, including building a permanent memorial at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. One method of raising funds is selling commemorative merchandise. The website shop.worldwar1centennial.org displays everything from poppy kits, to clothing and accessories, to signage and coins, as well as centennial flags in two sizes.

A 3X5 nylon flag with grommets sells for $49.95; one of these flags has flown outside The American Legion National Headquarters in downtown Indianapolis. A 8X12 nylon flag with wooden dowel sells for $7.95; posts or departments looking for the graves of founding commanders and other officials can make the display of these smaller flags part of the ceremony.

Shipping is separate. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales will go toward the Pershing Park project. A certificate of authenticity as official merchandise of the United States World War One Centennial is included.

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