Henry County backs Optimists’ Avenue of Flags on holidays

MT. PLEASANT - The Henry County Board of Supervisors will sponsor a section of Henry County Optimist Club's Avenue of Flags.

Paul Katsion, a member of the service organization, presented the idea to the supervisors on Thursday morning. For major holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, the club sets up about 110 flags along East Washington Street.

'One little gap in there is the county space, the Secondary Roads Department,” Katsion said. The club follows city guidelines, which asks for flags to be 6 feet from the road, with 60 feet apart between each flag. Katsion noted the gap could fit 10 flags, which could be sponsored at $320 and come directly from the county's budget.

The sponsorship would be for the 2021 season but would include the upcoming Labor Day arrangement as well.

The club member noted the Optimist Club's proceeds go to benefit the youth of the county and has donated close to $2,000 for local youth organizations in the past year.

Board member Gary See asked whether Katsion had presented the idea to the Veterans Affairs Department. Katsion noted that because the fundraiser isn't directly tied to veterans he thought it would be most fitting to present the idea to the supervisors. See also asked whether the Optimist Club was involved in any way with Henry County Veterans Memorial Committee, which organizes the flag display at the courthouse.

Katsion said the Optimist Club is not affiliated with the other organization but is looking to foster more communication.

Supervisor Marc Lindeen noted he has fielded questions from residents about 'why the county isn't participating” in the Avenue of Flags and supported a motion for the sponsorship.

See continued to express concern around whether the Veterans Affair Department would be concerned but ultimately supported the motion as well.

The board approved the sponsorship and asked Katsion to communicate with the Veterans Affairs Department about the display.