California Daughters are making a difference!
Last October/November 2018, the 1,100 flags of the United States of America that lined the streets of Paradise, CA every major holiday were destroyed in the most fast-moving, destructive fire imaginable. Because the flag display represented the patriotic heart of the community, it was important that the Parade of Flags continue as an outward symbol that the community has a hearty soul and would recover.
Daughters heard of the need and reached out to others. By Memorial Day, May 2019, 115 flags were flying. And, thanks to many Daughters and others hearing of the need, funding and flags have continued to find their way to Paradise. On July 4, 2019, there were 440 American flags proudly lining the way into this small community.
The Chico Enterprise Record, July 5, 2019, contained an interview with former resident of Paradise, Annie Devlin who had traveled up Skyway into town the afternoon of the 4th. She shared that when she saw the familiar sight of hundreds of flags lining the roadway, “I cried. It feels like home. The second I saw them, I cried.”
For Annie and so many others, the flags represented much more than Independence Day. They provided comfort and a sense of normalcy to the survivors working so hard to recover. These flags “keep people’s spirits lifted and give them hope.”
Dianne Wrona, Treasurer, Chico Chapter NSDAR, is spearheading the campaign with Daughters and this project is continuing. Each flag costs approximately $25, with some of the funds helping with the PVC poles supporting the flags.
Checks should be made payable to: Chico Chapter, NSDAR (memo: Flags for Paradise) and mailed to:
Dianne Wrona
829 Grass Court
Chico, CA 95926-3129
Each flag added to the parade is a reminder that someone cares enough to make a difference to the Paradise community; a community uplifted by your concern and generosity to continue this patriotic tribute.
-Adele Lancaster, State Regent
Pictures of the Parade of Flags along Skyway, Paradise, CA, July 4, 2019
