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The flag was designed just this year by Marcella Farrell of Wassaic, as a gift for her husband Michael. On the flag, at the center of a black field stands a rifle, with bayonet thrust into the soil of a gravesite, a soldier's helmet suspended on the rifle butt, and the chinstrap hanging loosely around the trigger mechanism. In the field, above, below and beside the oval center, are the words "Never Forget," "Service," "Sacrifice," and "Freedom is not Free." Having been endorsed by the USO, profits from the sale of the flag support the military personnel involved in the current conflicts around the globe, by providing assistance to them and their families back home in all the ways the USO has so successfully performed its mission since World War II. The Farrells have created this symbol, and with the help of friend Lou Musella of Pawling, they are committed to using the flag to serve as a reminder of American war casualties, and to raise funds to help families of active military personnel. The Farrells created the Armed Forces Family Aid and Relief Fund (AFFAR) in 1991 to raise funds to support service men and women and their families during the first Gulf War. On Dec. 7, 2004, the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Pawling's Hasler-Kamp American Legion Post #215 became the first Legion body to endorse the flag. A member of the post, Musella cited the Farrells' comments on the concept as he said, "This flag is not about war. This flag is not about peace. It is not about politics. It is not about protest. It is simply about paying homage to the brave men and women of the armed forces who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and who gave their lives to ensure that Americans and other citizens of the world enjoy the sacred privilege of freedom." Musella related the story of the inspiration for the flag, involving the Farrell's. "When former President Ronald Reagan passed away, President Bush ordered the flag at half-mast. After 30 days, flags were raised back to full mast. On my way to work I noticed that there was one gentleman who didn't have the flag at his home raised back up. He is a co-worker of mine, Mike Farrell, and I asked him why his flag wasn't at full mast. He said, Lou, that is my way of honoring the everyday guy who has died in war, man or woman." I gave this a little bit of thought, and I agree with the concept, but it is not proper flag etiquette," he said. "About a week later, the flag was raised to full mast. From the questions he received from his co-workers, this flag and this design were born," said Musella The Pawling American Legion is preparing a formal resolution that the members will approve. That document will be sent up the chain of command. Musella and the local post members hope that this symbol of the fallen heroes will be endorsed by the Legion on a nationwide level. Mike Farrell is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and he is concerned that it is too easy to feel removed from the sacrifice being made by American service men and women right now in the world. As he
said, "I wanted to remember the men and women who are giving their
lives in the current conflict. It was at that time, when everyone else
was putting their flags back up to full mast, I thought, 'It just isn't
right. "Several people had questioned us as to why our flag was still at half-mast. As a result, my wife conceived the flag, and she gave it to me as an anniversary gift. It just became what it is now, as far as wanting to share it with everybody, and allow the opportunity for people to say the same thing I was saying."
AFFAR
Fund The creators of the fund and the flag state at the site, "This flag is a proud and lasting tribute to those brave men and women who have fallen while in the line of duty to our nation. 100% of all profits go to the AFFAR Fund to benefit members of the armed forces currently on active duty, their families, and survivors." Administered by the USO, the fund serves two purposes. First, the funds will be used to give aid and comfort to men and women who are on active duty in any branch of service, and away from home, by helping the USO provide financial assistance to their families to help overcome unexpected financial crisis, and to provide other of the traditional services of the USO. Second, the funds will make it possible to give assistance to survivors who have lost a family member in the line of duty by helping the USO provide financial assistance to help overcome unexpected financial crisis, and resources to support services such as counseling for parents, spouses and children. The Farrells are grateful for the results of the AFFAR Fund over the years since its inception. As they said, "Through the funding that accumulated, there were surgeries that were done, there were rents and bills that got paid. We were informed that there was one young girl who needed eye surgery, and she was able to have the surgery as a result of the AFFAR Fund." In conclusion concerning the flag, they said, "The average soldier who falls in war is not recognized nationwide with the lowering of the flag. It is done for generals, and it is done for presidents. This is our salute to those guys, because we appreciate their sacrifices." ©Pawling News Chronicle 2005 News Articles 1
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