ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills Daughters of the American Revolution has approached city leaders about allowing a permanent masonry burning pit to be built at Veterans Memorial Park to retire U.S. flags.
The Echebucsassa Chapter of DAR plans to pursue $40,000 through the America 250 Florida Grants program, according to Regent Marie Wunderlich. The program, offered through the Florida Department of State, is accepting grant applications through Aug. 6.
“Currently, there exists no venue open to the public for them to witness such a ceremony, partake in such a ceremony by providing their flags, and educating the children about the U.S. flag,” Wunderlich told the city council July 28. “Not only why we raise it, why we salute it, why we pledge to it, but why we burn it.”
The U.S. Flag Code suggests burning a flag in a dignified way when it is no longer a “fitting emblem for display.”
Wunderlich said the grant would include eight benches, each representing the different branches of the Armed Forces.
“We would like to have signage educating the public on not only the Declaration of Independence,” Wunderlich said, “but Revolutionary period events – whether it would be the Liberty Tree, the different battles that took place – an educational experience devoted to the history of our veterans’ service, from Revolutionary War period to the current period.”
Wunderlich said these park upgrades can be used by all patriotic and civic organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The council was receptive to the idea, saying that staff could make sure the grant proposal aligns with ongoing park plans. One member of the council offered to get his daughter, who has written grants professionally, to help with the application.
Neighbor reports park abuse
Neighbor Michael Cooper has encouraged the City of Zephyrhills to do something about people riding motorcycles, ATVs and golf carts at Veterans Memorial Park.
Cooper told the Zephyrhills City Council on July 28 that he and his wife enjoy walking at the park but people are driving on the grass and pavement all the time.
“You call the cops – sometimes they show up, a lot of times they don’t,” Cooper said. “So I called the city manager, complained several times. He talked to them. When they do come out and catch them, they don’t do nothing to them. They just let them go. I don’t understand it. How are they going to learn not to do this?”
