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Pocket Flag Project: citizenship in action
By John Gleason
 Last week an open house was held at American Legion Post 161 in Wheat Ridge to mark the fifth anniversary of the Pocket Flag Project, whose purpose is to get miniature flags into the pockets of as many front line military personnel as possible around the world.
The Nov. 19 celebration featured the history of the project, flags that soldiers had sent to the project initiators from around the world (including one that had been flown above a palace of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad), and pictures of some of dignitaries who had been presented with flags, including President George Bush.
From its humble beginning, the Pocket Flag Project has involved thousands of people from across the country who want troops oversees to know that here at home, they are remembered and prayed for. At last count, volunteers have been responsible for folding and sending off more than 850,000 flags.
Five years ago members of Webelos Den 7 of Cub Scout Troop 204 were working on their citizenship pins. LuWanda Ford, whose son Charley was a member of the den, said she ran into a veteran who had carried a pocket-size American flag in his pocket when he was in the service.
“It touched me in such a way that I thought it could be used in our Scouts training,” Ford said.
The five Webelos Scouts obtained 100 flags that they folded in the traditional manner then presented to people in uniform at a special meeting.
“I wanted the Scouts to make a connection with people in uniform,” Ford said, “and to know that these people who were going off to fight for us were from our community.”
A news story about the project and the presentation spurred much interest and within days the Scouts had received requests for more than 3,000 flags. The project took on a life of its own and eventually became a nonprofit organization with a Web site where people could go to find out more about the project and to order flags of their own.
“Our flags come from a manufacturer who pulls them straight off their shipping line,” she said. “The project has brought together many people, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, church organizations, businesses. It seems like everyone who finds out about the project wants to help.”
The flags are folded into a 2-by-2-by-3-inch triangle, which is then placed in a bag with a note that reads: “A flag for your pocket so you can always carry a little piece of home. We are praying for you and we are proud of you. Thank you for defending our country and our freedom.”
Three of the five members of that original Webelos den attended the open house and shared their thoughts about the flags and the interest people have shown.
“We heard back from some of the military people who got flags,” said 14year-old Leighton Lautenschlager. “They thanked us, said how much they appreciated it and could we send more for other troops on the front line?”
Charlie Ford, 14, said the group was taken aback when they sent a letter to the White House, asking if they could present a flag to President Bush. Not only did they present it, they got a gift in return.
“After we met the president, we got to tour Air Force One,” he said. “It was impressive.”
But the Scouts also knew that the project was more than just a chance to meet people. When asked why the Pocket Flag Project was so close to his heart, Dan McKee said it was simple.
“It’s my way to support the troops as they support us,” he said.
The Pocket Flag Project is open to any individual or organization that would like to participate. Its mission is to educate people about the flag and patriotism as well as to get pocket flags into the hands of troops overseas. Ford is happy to talk with anyone who would like more information.
“Just go online,” she said. “All the details can be found at www.pocketflagproject.com.”
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