ALAMOSA– A battery of six solar-lighted flag poles was appropriately dedicated Monday on Veterans Day in Centennial Park here with about 25 people in attendance.

Located on State Street between Main and Sixth, the “pocket park” is sometimes called “Veterans Park” so the flags dedicated to the five branches of the military, as well as Old Glory and the POW/MIA remembrance flag, are a perfect addition.

The brainchild of Ruthie and Larry Brown of the Green Spot, the less than $1,500 flag project has been in the works for about 18 months. Several cash, material and labor donations made the project possible, according to Ruthie Brown.

American Legion honor guard members Jack Rudder and Monte Collins had the honor of raising the Stars and Stripes, as well as the POW/MIA flag, while the brass quintet from Adams State University played “The Washington Post.” Veterans Matt Ciezki and Ron Quintana assisted Larry Brown with the raising of the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard flags on 16-foot poles that surround the U.S. flag on a 20-foot pole in the park planter.

The ASU quintet also played a melody of the military branch songs.

Among those supporting the project have been VanIwaarden Builders, Absmeier Landscaping, Green Spot and an anonymous construction company who provided concrete for the pole bases. Labor has been contributed by Willie Wade, Ronnie Harvey and Larry and Ruthie Brown.

Cash donations to date have come from Matt Ciezki, the Browns, Ron Quintana, Lisa Lucero, David Mize and Paul Niebel.

Anyone wishing to donate, may call Ruthie at 580-7838 or stop by the Green Spot.

Another flag project is planned for next spring.