The Jefferson Elks Lodge is asking for donations to help maintain the number of flags for the veterans who have passed away.

Bill Berger with the Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306 says they maintain, store and display 564 US flags during Memorial Day weekend at the Jefferson Cemetery. However, he tells Raccoon Valley Radio that about 15-18 Elks and Jefferson Does members annually inspect the flags and will repair them or replace them if necessary. Berger talks about why it’s important to make sure these flags are in good condition.

“We have a lot of veterans in this community. There’s a list of them up at Jefferson City Hall. They’re all numbered so we have an idea of how many there are and who they belong to. So many of them go back, clear back to the Civil War.”   

Berger notes it costs $75 per flag and people can make a donation to Jefferson City Hall at 220 North Chestnut Street.