In May of 2006, Owasco resident Helen Formel asked Supervisor Merrill Badman if American flags could be placed in Owasco for display during Memorial Day. Soon, the flags were mounted on every other telephone pole from Havens Avenue to Owasco Village.

The next year, The Owasco Town Board voted to purchase more flags, and these were added until every telephone pole had a flag proudly flying in the breeze. The board also voted to display the flags from Memorial Day to Labor Day in September.

I always enjoyed seeing the patriotism displayed by the residents of Owasco Road. Not only were there a succession of flags mounted on porches, but buntings and red, white and blue flower color schemes were profusely evident. It automatically made me slow down and enjoy the sight. It did my heart proud to see.

When the flags were purchased and mounted across the street, it was an added welcome sight to enter the town of Owasco before a national holiday and see what the residents and town board did to honor our nation's heroes. Congratulations Owasco!

I do not know if this inspired Monica Montgomery, a fifth-grade student at Owasco Elementary School, and 53 of her classmates to enter the New York State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution flag essay contest. Monica's essay won first prize in the Owasco Chapter NYDAR located here in Auburn and went on to the NYDAR state flag chairperson for judging.

Monica was notified recently her essay took first prize in the state contest as well. A very excited girl was presented a certificate and jeweled flag pin at school by regent-elect Marion Maniscola. Congratulations Monica!

Here is her winning essay:

What the Flag of the United States Means to Me

What does the American Flag mean to me? Well, to me, it is another way of saying I am free, I am an American. The Americans of the past fought for freedom of all Americans. They fought for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. When I look at the American Flag I don't see 13 stripes or 50 stars.

I see the people who made this country what it is, like the soldiers who fought for a good country and a free nation.

I see me along with other children growing up to make even more of a difference than has already been made.

The way I put it, there is more to the flag than what we all see on the outside. What I see is beneath the fabric, in the very middle. What I think and what I feel is not in my head, but in my heart. Very deep down.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Unites States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty

and Justice for all.” Putting my hand over and reciting these words makes me feel proud of my country. It reminds me that being an American, and living under America's laws, is a privilege. It reminds me that I stand under the flag with pride, as a American.

The American flag means many things to me, but overall it means that I am free. I am loyal to the flag because it is a proud symbol that I can let stand high and wave in my heart.

- Sources: Marion Maniscola Owasco

Chapter NYDAR,

interview Merrill

Badman and Owasco Town Board minutes

Laurel Auchampaugh is the Owasco historian and can be reached at the Owasco.