Freedom on display with 1,000 U.S. flags flying in Perry – Canton Repository

About 1,000 U.S. flags were posted Sunday at Richville Park by Operation: Flags of Freedom organizers and local volunteers coming out to lend a hand.

PERRY TWP. John Dunn was among the dozens of motorists passing by Richville Park around midday Sunday. Like many, he was so surprised at the sight, he halted his vehicle, made a U-turn and returned for a longer look.

Dunn was en route to his Navarre home when he caught a glimpse of numerous U.S. flags blanketing the park grounds, which is located at the northwest corner of Stump Avenue and Navarre Road SW.

Strolling around the area for an up-close look at the field of flags might have been the highlight of Dunns day.

"This is a wonderful gesture. Its brave of them to do this," he said.

Approximately 1,000 U.S. flags were posted Sunday morning at Richville Park by Operation: Flags of Freedom organizers and local folks who chipped in. Overall, about 80 people volunteered for nearly two hours.

Steve Toohey, the founder and chief executive of the nonprofit Flags of Freedom, said the rally was mainly to show a sign of camaraderie and patriotism during a tough time. The coronavirus outbreak this month has been a deterrent to many public events, with restaurants, businesses closed and folks out of work, he added.

According to Toohey, part of the mission was to respect Gov. Mike DeWines recommendation for state residents to fly an American flag at their home or property. Another was to bring attention to U.S. military troops and other first responders.

"We see this as a rally-the-troops effort," said Toohey, adding that mobile lighting will shine on the flags at night. "We started today thanking them, our police, firefighters and (military) veterans."

Folks in uniform werent the only ones in mind Sunday, Toohey explained. As onlookers filed into the park to view the flags, many left a few dollars behind to show their appreciation.

As of mid-afternoon, a few hundred dollars had been dropped into the Flags of Freedom glass jar. Donations are to benefit local restaurant waiters and employees whove lost work due to the governors directive prohibiting inside dining at establishments.

"Were going to find a way to help out those not working right now," Toohey said. "Somehow, well figure it out."

O-H-I-O!

A few hundred of the red, white and blue flags were formed to spell "O-H-I-O" in an open section of Richville Park that houses a few baseball fields.

"I see this empty field every day," Toohey said. "It was great to get outside, enjoy nice weather and do all this to clear your mind."

One volunteer assisting with placing flags Sunday was Brandon Cooper, a former U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal who resides in Marshallville.

"I think its is good for the service members and first responders," said Cooper, noting he has multiple family members and friends who serve in the military. "Were all in this together."

Two-week stay

The flags are expected to remain at Richville Park for at least two weeks, said Toohey, adding that another 1,000 banners are likely to be displayed later this week along Interstate 77 in proximity to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Flags of Freedom has raised flags around the Hall of Fame before, and the groups signature displays often come to Perry High School for Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.

Toohey said Toledo and Lancaster are other cities where the flags have flown.

"We like to take Flags of Freedom about everywhere," he said. "We really want to extend across the country into other cities and states to promote patriotism and unity."

Reach Steven at 330-775-1134 or at steven.grazier@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

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Freedom on display with 1,000 U.S. flags flying in Perry - Canton Repository