Eastlake's Boulevard of 500 Flags The News-Herald, August 25, 2011 by Jean Bonchak
[ Note from the City of Eastlake: A memorial service in honor of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 is being held Sunday, September 11 at 1:00 at the Boulevard of 500 Flags. Everyone is welcome to attend. Flyer ]
U.S. Army veteran Joe Strand says he visits the Boulevard of 500 Flags in Eastlake whenever he needs his spirits lifted.
"It's one of the most solemn places I go," said Strand, chairman of the Eastlake Memorial Committee. "I've been to Normandy Cemetery, I've been to Arlington Cemetery, the one in Rittman… when I feel sad or down, I go and sit there because it's really uplifting. It's a feeling that goes through me that I cannot express. It's something you have to feel on your own when you go down there and hear the flags flapping and the lanyards banging. It sounds like someone singing. It's a beautiful thing."
The patriotic park boasting flags and banners commemorating those who have served or currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as other related organizations, was erected in 1995.
Strand said the idea for the memorial, which is the largest known permanent display of American flags in the world, according to Ohio Memory, a collaborative project of the Ohio Historical Society and State of Ohio, originated with a group of people inspired by a small band of flags in Pennsylvania. They explained the concept to former Eastlake Mayor Dan DiLiberto, who "picked it up and ran with it," Strand said.
After Sept. 11, 2001, a section was dedicated to honor those who fell that day. It includes two beams from the World Trade Center, part of a lamp post and granite pieces from the lobby. The monument also includes a piece of granite from the Pentagon along with soil and earth from Shanksville, Pa.
An eternal flame burns to commemorate the arrival of the Olympic Torch in 1996.
"I think that when people look at Eastlake, whenever they think they're going to visit Eastlake, this is the first thing they come to see," said Ted Andrzejewski, Eastlake mayor. "People were moved by what happened on 9/11 and this is always a reminder that our country was attacked and it could happen again. It's a tribute to all the service people who have served or given their lives."
Approximately 2,000 veterans' names are listed on the plaques affixed to the flags.
The patriotic spot is also used as a venue to celebrate all major holidays involving veterans, including Memorial, Veterans and Pearl Harbor days.
Strand said the upkeep of the park is costly, and currently $57,000 is needed to replace poles which are rusty and frail.
As a cost-cutting measure, gas pipes rather than standard flagpoles were originally used.
In addition, 75 percent of worn flags are replaced every year. Instead of simply lowering the flags, poles must be lifted out of the ground.
"They get beat pretty hard when it's windy," Strand said.
"I make sure prior to putting the flags up, we have enough to replace the ones that need to be replaced," Strand said. "When a vet goes by there he smiles and he's proud. And I know all of the veterans who work with me, they are very, very proud."
Over the years, T & D Fabricating in Eastlake has donated several replacement items for the park.
Cost for general upkeep of the park is $7,000 to $8,000 yearly and raising funds is a continuous effort.
The memorial is sustained solely by volunteers and donations.
"The nickels and dimes mean as much to me as those who donate thousands," Strand said, but added that "we really would like to get some corporations to step in and help out."
Those who wish, may send donations for the park to Eastlake Veterans Memorial Park, c/o the City of Eastlake, 35150 Lake Shore Blvd., Eastlake, OH 44095.
A fundraiser will take place Oct. 22 at the American Legion Post 678 in Willowick. Cost of the dinner dance is $15. For tickets, call 440-943-9659.
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