My husband, Ron Ward, was so upset that the village of Athalia did not display the American flags over Memorial Day weekend.

When we inquired as to the reason, we were told that the flags that the village had were too faded and tattered to be put up and there was no money in the village fund to purchase new ones.

Ron served his country from July of 1968 until July of 1972 in the United States Navy Seabees. He has also served as a volunteer fireman for more than 20 years. He is a true patriot. In fact, he was born on June 14, which is Flag Day.

Our son, Willie Ward and his wife Samantha, owners of Ward’s Service Center Inc. in Proctorville, have purchased and donated to the village of Athalia more than 30 flags. We have gotten the old flags and poles from the Athalia mayor, Gary Simpson.

For the past two days Ron has worked replacing the flags and refurbishing the poles, so the flags will be ready to be displayed from June 14, Flag Day through July 4.

Being proud of our service men and our country, I feel it is the least we can do as a small town to honor them by displaying flags.

Thank you Ron, Willie and Samantha for seeing to it that this can be done.

Barb Ward

Proctorville