The Manteca Chamber is looking for an individual to coordinate the distribution of 2,403 flags.

American flags — 2,403 of them —have  lined Manteca’s streets for 22 years on select major holidays.

They are placed and removed by an eclectic mix of volunteers.

Teens. Retirees. Conservatives. Liberals. Moderates. First generation immigrants to the USA. Fourth generation Manteca area residents. Construction workers. Business owners. Democrats. Republicans. Independents.

The position to oversee those giving the flags to volunteers for placement at 4 a.m. on days the flags are out and for volunteers to return them that day at 3 p.m. has opened up after longtime volunteer coordinator Ann King has moved out of the area.

Chamber Executive Director Joann Beattie said a retiree would be ideal for the job.

The chamber launched the flag project on the first anniversary of the 9-11-2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
he original number of 2,403 flags in itself has significance.

That is the number of American service man died during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 that led to the United States entering World War II.

Pearl Harbor Day is one of 11 days volunteers place the flags unless the forecast calls for rain.

The other days are Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,  Patriot Day (9/11), and Veterans Day.

The 11th Day is being added in 2025 — Juneteenth.

If you see stretches devoid of flags, that is because the chamber hasn’t secured enough volunteers.

You can find out how to volunteer by contacting the chamber at 209-823-6121.

It is the same number to call if you are interested in volunteering the flag distribution.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com