American flags — 2,403 of them — lined Manteca’s streets Monday as they have for 22 years on select major holidays.
They were 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.
They gathered at 4 a.m. for a shared purpose as they do 11 times of the year.
The Manteca Chamber of Commerce launched the effort in the weeks that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
The $60,000 plus needed to secure 2,403 flags, obtain 2,403 flag poles and drill the necessary holes in sidewalks along stretches of Main Street, Yosemite Avenue, Maple Street, Center Street as well as along Louise Avenue and Union Road by the East Union Cemetery took less than five weeks to secure.
The task of varnishing poles, embroidering the names of donors on the edge of the flags outside of the fields of stars and stripes, and then attaching the flags to poles were completed in time for placement on the first anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.
It was done to show unity. It was done so people wouldn’t forget.
The ultimate goal, however, involved more than that.
The bottom line was simple.
Displaying the flags was to remind people of what has helped unite us despite a seemingly endless array of different cultures, experiences, faith or beliefs, and politics.
And doing so on the select days — all federal holidays or national days of remembrance — was designed so people might reflect on the basis for the day.
The 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.
Groups start collecting the flags on the days they are displayed at 3 p.m.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
