Michael Messerly | Daily Times Members of American Legion Post 471 raise the three new flags the post donated to the city Tuesday afternoon. Members of city government and the community look on.

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FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

After a brief ceremony Tuesday afternoon, three new flags flew above the lawn at the Portsmouth city building.

“I know over the course of the last year or two I’ve only seen the American flag up,” said Mike Bell of American Legion Post 471. “So American Legion Post 471 came here and put up the American flag, and the state flag, and the flag to remember our POWs and MIAs.”

Bell said the turnout by city employees was fantastic.

“We talked a little bit about thanking our veterans, and thanking our soldiers that are overseas at the moment, and we had a moment of silence. And then we also accepted a flag from (First Ward) Councilman (Kevin) Johnson that he needed disposed of,” Bell said.

Post 471 will also dispose of the city’s former flag.

Bell said area residents can can bring their old, tattered flags to the American Legion Post 471 to be properly disposed. Post 471 is at 950 Gallia St., Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Mayor David Malone said he appreciated Post 471 for presenting the flags to the community, and he said the ceremony was important to city government and the citizens of Portsmouth.

“It was important because we always want to honor America, honor the state, and honor the soldiers who died for our freedom,” Malone said. “This was a way to commemorate and remember those who worked hard to bring about the liberties that we have. This is something that we’re proud of and we want to be proud of for years to come.”

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.