WITH VOLUNTEER HELP, VFW COULD RAISE ALL 500 FLAGS TO HONOR THIS AREA'S DECEASED VETERANS

Three times a year, the Avenue of Flags in Cape Girardeau County Park North is an impressive sight. Approximately 250 American flags -- each one representing a deceased local veteran -- line the entrance to the park every Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day. As impressive as at is, it could be doubly so.

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, which puts up the flags, has more than 500 flags. As the local veteran population ages, the number of flags grows. But the VFW manpower shrinks. Currently there aren't enough volunteers to raise every one of the flags on any given holiday, so only half are displayed.

This Fourth of July will offer an excellent opportunity for community groups and individuals to show their appreciation for our veterans by offering to lend a hand. Wouldn't it be something to see all 500 flags on display at the same time?