Hospital plants field of flags for Memorial Day

WELLSVILLE, NY — Memorial Day weekend continues to be filled with special memories honoring veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Members of a community commemorate their war heroes with one of the country’s most treasured symbols of freedom.

Terry Fleischman of Wellsville, Allegany County, honors his father, Joe, for his military service.

“He was proud to have served,” Terry said.

Joe served in the United States Army during World War II and participated in the Battle of Normandy.

“My dad landed on the fourth or fifth day,” Terry said.

She also remembers her uncles who also served in World War II.

“They taught me to respect my country. They taught my children the meaning of respect,” Terry said.

Their memory was marked with an American flag, joining more than 400 others in the field of flags, each placed on the lawn in front of Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, Allegany County, with the name of a veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“(The flag) brings pride, respect and honor,” Terry said. “A deep love for country. There’s something about seeing the American flag that touches your heart.”

The project is now in its 11th year at the hospital, made possible with the help of several community partners, including the Wellsville American Legion Riders.

“Never forget, in the words of the American Legion. They are brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, friends, comrades who all served to protect our freedom,” said Jim Helms, president and CEO from Jones Memorial Hospital.

Community members were invited to purchase a tag to honor their loved ones, with proceeds going to a hunting and mountain preserve for wounded veterans.

But for Helms Hospital, the initiative is personal and represents much more than just a community fundraiser.

“My wife and I have about 17 flags here,” he said. “It means a lot and we’re not unique in this. There are a lot of people in this community who have people they remember.”

Like Terry, who says this area sends a strong message to those, young and old, who pass or pass by it.

“That their freedom of speech and expression is not free,” Terry said. “These people died for this. They need to know their history and what the cost is to their future.”

The flags will remain in place during the Memorial Day parade on Monday and will be removed on Tuesday.