By Sophie Nulph
Kiwanis of Westfield put up an Avenue of Flags to welcome home a U.S. Navy veteran.
Eric Miner returned from a four-year naval commitment Sept. 22 to flags placed on his street. The gesture, called the Avenue of Flags, is an ongoing project by the Kiwanis of Westfield to honor military service members and the U.S., in general.
Karen Miner, Eric Miner’s mother, said the gesture is a perfect example of Kiwanis’ goal to create a welcome-home program for veterans.
“Many of our neighbors didn’t know about Avenue of Flags, but now that they do. They can’t wait to sign up for next year,” Karen Miner said.
The initiative, which began in May 2017, places flags in front yards of residents who want celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day. The flags are removed the day after the holiday to help preserve them for the next holiday.
Karen Miner said her son appreciated the flags as well as his welcoming neighbors.
“He thought the flags were very cool,” Karen Miner said.
Citizens interested in participating in the Avenue of Flags must live north of 146 Street in Westfield. For more, visit kiwanisofwestfield.portalbuzz.com. New 2020 subscribers receive a free flag placement for Veterans Day.
Kiwanis of Westfield meets every first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Westfield Washington Public Library, 333 W. Hoover St. Kiwanis partners with Riley Children’s Hospital to provide adaptive bikes for children and provide books for kids in the emergency room of the Riverview Health Westfield Hospital.
The club also supports Westfield High School students by providing scholarships, and also assists the Westfield Youth Assistant Program and Student Impact by giving donations.
Eric Miner was not available to comment before press time.
