More than 'Six Flags' donated to town


Park President of Six Flags New England Larry Litton (far left) presented a check for $5,000 to Richard Girard Jr., director of Western Hampden Districts Department of Veterans' Services (center), for the flagging of Main Street. Reminder Publications submitted photo.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

AGAWAM Every community has a Main Street -- some are paved along the desolate, rolling hills of Middle America and others on the busy streets of an urban microcosm. In Agawam, Main Street is the epicenter of a growing community.

Last week, Larry Litton, park president of Six Flags New England, presented a $5,000 check to the town of Agawam to enhance the look of this city's central roadway. The money will be used to buy 300 new American flags, poles and hardware to be hung on the telephone poles lining Main Street from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

Litton said while driving down this roadway during the latter summer months he took notice of their disrepair and was eager to enhance the overall look of the community. He explained that having lived in other areas of the United States he has observed a charming patriotism in New England that exists nowhere else. Litton added that he hopes the new flags will further boost community spirit.

Mayor-elect Susan Dawson said the controversy over the parking ordinance has shadowed Six Flags' generous contributions to the community, such as funding the flagging of Main Street. She added that she is looking forward to working with Six Flags to further their neighborly efforts.

Richard Girard Jr., director of the Western Hampden Districts Department of Veterans' Services, said he has been working to replace the majority of the flags for quite some time and was surprised by Litton's observations and sizeable donation.

"This is a much-needed and very appreciated donation," he said, adding that previously the flags had been funded by the Veterans' Council and private donations. However, not enough money has been raised recently to replace or repair all of the flags, which became tattered from the weather.

Girard said many people in the community have explained their appreciation for the flags, especially those visiting loved ones in the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery.

The new flags will be mounted and hung by volunteers prior to the 2008 Memorial Day Parade.