The Flags For Forgotten Solders has gained recognition through out most of Atlantic Count in southern New Jersey, through a major effort of Past Grand Knight John DeMarco of the Villa Marie Council # 6342 along with the efforts of the Faithful Captain David “Doc” Livingston of the Msgr. William F. Doyle council # 7316. The undertaking of this project would not be possible, if not for the efforts of all the councils within our assembly. The following is a time line of the many activities for this project.

 

Jan 13, 2018: Presentation to the Board of Directors of the Atlantic County Veterans Museum in Estelle Manor, NJ the Flags for Forgotten Soldiers Project.

March 1, 2018: Set up the Flags For Forgotten Soldiers at Cedar Creek High School in Egg Harbor City, NJ. Presentation made to over 30 students and teachers prior to set up. All students involved with the setup of the display.

 

March 2, 2018:  Pick up the Flags For Forgotten Soldiers at Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, NJ. Presentation was made to the Greater Egg Harbor School Board to involve the schools. Students from the Oakcrest Jr Air Force ROTC were involved with the set up and removal of the Flags.

March 5th, 2018: Set Up the Flags For Forgotten Soldiers At Absegami High School In Galloway, NJ With The Athletic Director, Steve Fortis. Students were involved with the set up after I made a presentation to the students about the purpose of the display...Suicide Prevention and Awareness.

 

March 15, 2018: Presented KofC Certificate of Appreciation to student Cameron Conway in his classroom as directed by his principal, Scott Parker for coordinating the students from the school to participate.

 

April 18, 2018: Set up Flags For Forgotten Soldiers at Holy Spirit High School. Entire football team and coaches were present to assist, I made a presentation to the students prior to setting up the display.

 

May 8, 2018:  Set up the Flags For Forgotten Soldiers at St James Parish in Ventnor, NJ. Fr. McGivney Assembly 3093 along with the Msgr. William F. Doyle council assisted.

June 5, 2018: Pick up the Flags For Forgotten Soldiers at St James Parish in Longport.

July 2, 2018: Install 660 flags For Forgotten Soldiers at Assumption Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Pitney Road.  Assistance from local Boy Scout Troup who helped for community service - educate Boy Scouts on what the Flags represent Suicide Prevention – Veterans.

August 10, 2018: Remove the flags from Assumption Church.

 

September 18, 2018: Provided a presentation to Atlantic County Board of Directors for the Atlantic County Veterans Museum regarding Flags for Forgotten Soldiers

October 23,18: Install 660 flags for Forgotten Soldiers at the Atlantic County Veterans Museum in Estelle Manor, NJ. Assistance from Atlantic County Superintendent of Parks who helped install, maintain and remove flags through Veterans Day November 11th. Removed the flags on November 28^th.

 

November 10, 2018: Spoke at the Pleasantville Library as guest speaker for Veterans Day ceremony.  Spoke about the Flags for Forgotten Soldiers and Suicide Prevention.  Received Certificate of Appreciation.

 

November 11, 2018: Attend Veterans Day breakfast at Atlantic City Electric Company, Exelon Division to talk about the Flags for Forgotten Soldiers. Company wishes to install flags in the Spring of 2019

 

November 12, 2018: Spoke with the Director of Military Services, Jason Babin at Stockton University about the Flags for Forgotten Soldiers project. Stockton University is scheduled to install the Flags in 2019.

 

The photograph below is where the project began in 2017.

Example of Flags For Forgotten Solders setup at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Absecon, NJ.

Note: all locations provide daily maintenance to insure the Flags remain standing during weather conditions. Members of the team devote their time to check these sites during the month the display remains up. Several hours to update inventory, order signs, flags, posts, etc.