Flying flags across Roselle takes a 'well-oiled machine'
An inaugural mission to post Old Glory in yards across Roselle is off to a flying start.
In honor of Flag Day, about 50 volunteers from all walks of life split up into teams to place American flags in lawns across 12 zones of the village. The patriotic gesture brought together Lake Park High School educators and students, Scout groups, veterans from American Legion Post 1084, the Roselle History Museum and firefighters.
"It's a well-oiled machine," Roselle Mayor Andy Maglio said as he installed the sturdy, 3-by-5-foot flags Wednesday morning. "I cannot believe how enthusiastic everybody is about it."
The "Flags for Roselle" program - inspired by a similar effort in Wisconsin - also doubles as a fundraiser for the Roselle Historical Foundation, Roselle American Legion Charitable Foundation and the Lake Park High School Educational Foundation.
In only its first year, the campaign has drawn 189 subscribers who each paid a $40 fee, said Kay Cahill, chairwoman of the Flags for Roselle committee.
Volunteers then position the flags in the yards of subscribers for four holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day.
After paying for the costs of materials, the committee was able to raise $1,818 to be shared by the three foundations.
Cahill thought that was an "ironic" milestone, given that Illinois officially became a state in 1818.
"It has been the most marvelous experience I've ever had," Cahill said Wednesday. "Everybody is so cooperative. We have people lined up for next year already."
Subscriptions are closed this year. To participate in 2018, Cahill said she's "taking names" via her email, kaycahill@comcast.net, until orders open up on the group's website.
"Patriotism is not dead by any means," she said.
By 7 p.m. Wednesday, the volunteers were due to divvy up their routes and take down the flags.
The fire department is storing the flags until the next installation on Independence Day.
• Daily Herald photographer Bev Horne contributed to this report.