Wilkey Elementary teacher, daughter of Marine Corps veteran organizing effort to place U.S. flags on veterans’ graves

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As a way of honoring her late father during the coronavirus pandemic, Wilkey Elementary School teacher Amanda Brown is collaborating with American Legion Post 81 to safely distribute flags to the gravesites of the American heroes who served their country in the armed forces.

Brown’s father, the late Max Vincent, served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, with Brown saying, “Even during a pandemic our veterans need to be honored.”

Toward that end, on Tuesday, May 5, American Legion Post 81 (415 Lee Avenue) will set up a drive-thru at the Post between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. where Grayson County students and their families can pick up a box of flags along with information notating the graveyard, directions, and a list of names.

“Each family can go to (the designated) cemetery and place flags on graves as a safe way to not only get out of the house, but also pay tribute to our veterans,” Brown said. “This could be a learning experience for students, as well.”

Grayson County residents who do not have a student in the household can pick up a box of flags with the necessary information between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Post 81.

“The American Legion does many things for our schools and I would like to help pay that forward, and as a veteran’s daughter it is close to my heart,” Brown said about honoring veterans.

The American Legion will place a tote in front of the Legion building for old flags that were on the graves, as participants are asked to collect the old flags and place them in the tote for proper disposal.

Anyone interested in volunteering with one’s family is asked to contact Amanda Brown by texting 270-589-1778.

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com