GARDINER — American flags have been mounted on telephone poles across the city in time for a Memorial Day parade on Monday.

Jim Keenan, a Farmingdale resident and commander of American Legion Smith-Wiley Post 4, led the charge to have 76 American flags posted.

“Timing is everything and the time was right and people bought into it,” Keenan said. “Patriotism is alive and well in Gardiner.”

The Memorial Day parade is at 10 a.m. followed by a dedication ceremony at The Common for those who dedicated their time and money to the “Flags Across Gardiner” effort.

Keenan said he was quick to buy into the idea of lining the streets of Gardiner with flags after talking with Farmingdale firemen, who sponsor flag displays in their town.

A total of 42 Gardiner residents and business owners donated $5,111 for the flags and poles, as well as several replacement flags in case the ones on display get worn out or damaged.

City Manager Scott Morelli said Boy Scout Troop 672 assembled the flags and 16 volunteers donated their time on May 5 to place the flags on poles along U.S. Route 201 from Northern Avenue to just past Ainslie’s, as well as on Route 126 from downtown to just past Mike’s Sidetrack Grill.

Flags also were placed around The Common on Brunswick Avenue.

“These displays of patriotism and community spirit will enliven Gardiner’s streets from May through November to coincide with Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day,” Morelli said.

Volunteers included representatives of McFarland Electric, Hickey Tree Service, Gardiner Main Street, DB Nadeu Construction and city of Gardiner employees. On-duty Gardiner police officers assisted with traffic control, he said.

Chuck Applebee, director of wastewater and public works, said the city worked with Central Maine Power Co. and Fairpoint to select the most visible locations for the flags.

“We are permitted to display up to 200 flags, so depending on how many more donations we receive, we can begin to install more flags in areas such as the downtown and toward South Gardiner,” Applebee said.

Morelli said the volunteer time and donations involved with the project “speaks volumes about the pride people have in our community.”

Mechele Cooper — 621-5663

[email protected]