the first village in the United States to approve and fly the freedom flag underneath the U.S. flag. As the freedom flag is flown, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that were made to keep us safe and free. I am thankful to be a part of this tribute to our armed forces."

Pawling's American Legion Hasler-Kamp Post #215 is the host of the annual ceremonies. The local post was the first to endorse the flag, and will be the first to hoist the banner on a municipal flagstaff.

This flag is a symbol meant to evoke the honor and sacrifice of the men and women of the American Armed Forces who have lost their lives in military service.

The originators of the flag propose the concept that underlies this new symbol to be "a proud and lasting tribute to those brave men and women who have fallen while in the line of duty to our nation. This flag is not about war or peace, it is not about politics or protest. It is simply about paying homage to the brave men and women of our armed forces who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and who gave their lives to ensure Americans - and other citizens of the world - enjoy the sacred privilege of freedom."

At the Web site, www.neverforgetflag.us, the flag and other material are available for purchase, and the purpose of the fundraising is explained. All profits go to the AFFAR Fund to benefit members of the armed forces currently on active duty, their families, and their survivors. The AFFAR Fund, Armed Forces Family Aid and Relief, is a program founded in 1991 by Michael and Marcella Farrell of Wassaic. The fund is administered by the USO, the traditional, quintessential support agency for the United States Armed Forces.

Following the official mourning period of 30 days in observance of the passing of Ronald Reagan, Mike Farrell continued to fly his American flag at half-mast. Asked by his friend, Lou Musella, why he had not raised the flag to full mast, Farrell explained that it was his way of honoring all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice as members of the United States Armed Forces.

Farrell soon raised his flag back to full mast, but with understanding and compassion for what her husband had wanted to express, Marcella Farrell designed this new banner to be flown in honor of all fallen service personnel.

Musella saw this, and encouraged the Farrells to allow him to present the flag to the Pawling American Legion. The local post endorsed the banner by unanimous acclamation on Dec. 7 and sent it on to the Dutchess County Legion for consideration. The county and the regional American Legion have both endorsed the flag since, and arrangements have been made to present it to the New York State American Legion. Approval there would place the flag on the agenda at the next national convention.

The Never Forget Flag could one day have the same recognition that the POW/MIA flag now has.

Musella made the presentation to the village board on May 2, and said, "Right now, we have three flags over in Iraq. The troops are very grateful for the concept. We have been in contact with the Gold Star Wives, and they are very happy with it.

"This flag waving 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is going to be a constant reminder that freedom is not free, that the freedoms that we take for granted every day, somebody had to fight and die for.

"It will be a constant reminder, to everybody young and old, that every time they see that flag, that the things that we love in this country, our right to assemble right now, our right to speak, all the rights of a proud and free people, we have because of the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice."

White House Commission

The White House Commission on Remembrance has established a link to the Web site for the Never Forget Flag, an indication of the respect the commission has for this venture. The commission can be accessed at www.remember.org, and there is a link to the commission at the Never Forget Flag Web site.

From the commission Web site: "The White House Commission on Remembrance, established by Congress, honors America's fallen and recognizes our veterans and those who continue to serve our country. Its purpose is to promote the values of Memorial Day by acts of remembrance throughout the year and to encourage Americans to demonstrate their gratitude by giving back to our Nation.

"The Commission is dedicated to educating this and future generations of Americans to remember the sacrifices and costs in human life made to preserve our liberties. We want to instill in them an understanding of what it means to be an American."