Willard volunteers plant American flags to commemorate 9/11

About 150 volunteers, half of them students of the Willard School District, gathered at the Willard High School commons area on Sept. 10 to plant American flags in lawns throughout the city. About 3,000 flags, provided by the business members of the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce and the Willard Branch of Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri, were planted in lawns all over Willard.
“This event is symbolic of many things,” said Whitney Burrell, director of communications for Willard Public Schools. “Most importantly, that we will never forget the events of 9/11 and those who lost their life and loved ones that tragic day. This is also a gesture of thanks to all of our local emergency responders that keep us safe each day. Finally, most Willard residents see this as an awesome display of patriotism and unity.”
Burrell also thanked the Chamber and the volunteers who helped to make the flag planting happen.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our local businesses through the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce,” she said, “as well as the incredible volunteers who give their time each year to plant flags. We are proud to carry on this tradition in Willard.”
Residents are encouraged to bring the flags to the Western Greene County Veterans Day Parade. The parade will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, on Jackson Street in Willard.