Flags of Freedom to hold online auction Oct. 1-4 to keep flags flyin'

PRINCETON — Instead of its annual Rock the Runway fundraiser event, the Flags of Freedom committee will be hosting an online auction Oct. 1-4.

Between 40 and 50 items will be auctioned off. Interested bidders will be able to view the items and make bids on the Flags of Freedom Facebook page.

The items range from two 55-inch television sets, homemade Adirondack chairs, Telescopic flag pole and solar light (installation included), a Cornhole game and much more.

Rodney Johnson, president of the Flags of Freedom committee, expressed his appreciation for all the items donated for the cause.

“It’s all for the veterans: Past, present and future,” he said. “It’s for them and for the community.”

The four flags that fly out on Interstate 80 have attracted many visitors to Princeton over the years. Many people passing through have written letters expressing appreciation for the patriotism. Others have sent donations. The flags really have made a mark on the Princeton community.

“We have people say they never forget them when passing through and always try to come through Princeton to see them again,” Johnson said. “The patriotism we have runs hard and runs deep for the veterans, the community and the people.”

The Flags of Freedom committee dedicate a lot of time each year ensuring the flags continue flying. It’s a task that doesn’t come easy. Financially, it’s a costly endeavor as one flag costs $1,500.

The cause is supported solely on donations, fundraisers and sponsors.

Johnson said currently, nine local businesses commit to purchasing one flag each year. The city of Princeton purchases two flags each year. This has been very beneficial to the committee and the mission it serves.

The flags stand 30-feet tall, are 60-feet wide and fly at 153-feet in the air. The flags are purchased through Flag Source in Batavia, Ill.

Each year, around 12 to 16 flags are needed to keep the flags flying 24/7. Flags can last anywhere from two days to six weeks. Johnson said it all depends on mother nation. This year, she has been hard on the flags. The Aug. 10 derecho did a number on the flag pole that stands in the Days Inn parking lot. The committee had to repair the bent pole and is working on replacing the mechanisms in each of the four flag poles to help preserve them further in the future.

“We are trying to let people know we are still fighting and doing what we can to keep those flags flying,” Johnson said.

The funds raised during the online auction will help support the mission of the Flags of Freedom.

To learn more about the flags or to donate to the cause, visit www.flagsoffreedom180.org.

Have an interested in the Flags of Freedom committee? The organization is always looking for new volunteers to get involved in maintaining the flags on I-80.