Kankakee Times

The small town of Manteno showed its love for America by coming together to fly the American flag. 

According to the Daily Journal, despite being a small community of only 9,500, Memorial Day was special and patriotic, thanks to the help of the Boy Scout Troop 382 and the Manteno Flags program. The 3-foot by 5-foot flags for Memorial Day are attached to 8-foot poles placed in residents’ front yards. Residents paid $40 to have the flag purchased and displayed in their yard and the current plan is to raise the flag on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. 

The flags were posted by the Boy Scout members and leaders from sunrise to sundown. 

Initially started by Mayor Tim Nugent’s wife, Yvette, who was inspired by the holiday flag program, there have been 25 flags purchased by residents of Manteno. While it was hoped that there would be more flags on display, the COVID-19 pandemic definitely took many people’s attention. 

Yvette contacted Troop 382 after becoming inspired by the flag program and was quickly given the help that she needed. Dan Steffan, the leader of Troop 382, said that Manteno is very patriotic and hopes that more residents will get onboard with the flag display. 

“It’s anyone’s guess as to how many we may get,” Steffan said. “By Veterans Day (Nov. 11) we could have 300 flags in place. I’m a dreamer. I think we could do 300.”

Sarah Marion, director of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce, was quick to purchase her flag and said that she is excited about the patriotic display. 

“I truly believe this will catch on once people see them posted. I just love this idea,” Marion said.

Proceeds from the flag purchases will be directed to camps and gear for the Boy Scout troop.