Mayor Gary Soiseth laid down the gauntlet on Turlock’s patriotism during his State of the City address in March and the community has responded.

The Mayor challenged the residents, organizations and businesses of Turlock to fly the American flag with the goal of reaching 1,000 flags by Veterans Day, Nov. 11. As of Tuesday, 622 flags have been registered on the City of Turlock’s website with 94 days remaining until Veterans Day.

Along with encouraging the community to fly Old Glory, the City created flag corridors along Countryside Drive, Main Street and the Joe Gallison Parkway along Canal Drive. The City also took a look at its own public facilities.

“We have other locations where we are now flying the flag where we weren’t previously. When we did our quick inventory of all our City facilities, it was a little surprising to me that we did not have a flag at Pedretti and so…we made sure to get that on our to-do list,” said Turlock Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director Allison Van Guilder to the City Council on Tuesday.

“We now have a very patriotic symbol at that facility that we can be proud of.”

Along with encouraging residents to register their American flags through the City’s website, the City is also accepting donations to purchase flags for those who cannot afford to get one on their own. City staff will help install flags for businesses or residents if needed, said Traini.

The City’s website also offers United States flag etiquette and a list of fire station locations around town where tattered or torn flags can be dropped off for proper disposal.

For more information about the 1,000 Flag Initiative or to register a flag, call 668-5594 or visit: http://ci.turlock.ca.us/1000flags/index.asp