UPDATE (Tuesday, May 27, 2014): This story has been updated to include the name of the person who donated the flags to Newtown Woman’s Club, GFWC. 

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Members of Newtown Woman’s Club, GFWC, placed flags at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Main Street during the afternoon of Friday, May 23, to honor past and present veterans.

This is the fifth year that the club has placed flags around the monument. Residents were able to purchase flags for $5. The funds helped to benefit veterans at Rocky Hill Veterans Home & Hospital and West Haven Veterans Hospital.

“This is only the second year we’ve sold the flags and this year we’ve sold about 70,” said Chairperson Marion Thompson. 

Ms Thompson added this year’s flags were donated to the Woman’s Club.

“The flags were donated by Commander Jamie Rebman of the Newtown VFW,” Ms Thompson said.

The flags that were purchased by residents have a ribbon and written is the name of the veteran, the military branch, and the date served.

“I think everyone appreciates what we do. It’s a way to honor our country and our town,” said Ms Thompson.

Ms Thompson also said that she plans on giving some of the funds to The Fisher House Foundation, which gives families of injured soldiers a place to stay during their recovery.

“We are always collecting for the veterans,” said Coke Cramer, another member of Newtown Woman’s Club. “Whether it’s decorating Christmas trees at the hospitals or buying veterans items from their Christmas time wish lists, what we do is fun for us and it’s fun for them.”

The flags will remain at the monument until Flag Day, June 14.