CARMICHAEL, CA (MGP) - A new flagpole will be installed at Carmichael Park in front of the Veterans Memorial Building with the installation scheduled for Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The flagpole will display the U.S. flag, with the POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) flag positioned beneath it.

Bob Fitzgerald, a retired Master Sargeant with the U.S. Air Force and a lifelong member of both the American Legion Legislative Action Post 861 and the Disabled American Veterans Ray Clark Chapter 35 is leading the initiative.

The project has received the necessary approval from the Carmichael Park District. Mike Blondino, the District Administrator appointed James Perry, Park Services Manager to oversee the project for the Park District.

Fitzgerald notes that the only flag currently flying at Carmichael Park is located on Fair Oaks Boulevard away from the Veterans Memorial Building. The building is frequented by three local veteran groups: the American Legion Legislative Action Post 861, Disabled American Veterans Ray Clark Chapter 35, and Vietnam Veterans of America Sacramento Chapter 500.

Both the Disabled American Veterans Ray Clark Chapter 35 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Sacramento chapter 500 have endorsed the project and assigned members to assist with its support.

The cost of the flagpole is $9,856.38, including tax and shipping. The flagpole will be orders from Global Flags Unlimited, a company based in Georgia, that the Carmichael Park District uses.

 To support installation and cover additional expenses, donations are being sought out from the community. Contributions can be made by writing a check to the Carmichael Parks Foundation at 5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael. Indicate “Vet’s Memorial Bldg Flagpole Project” on the check. The tax identification number for the foundation is 26-4274059.