Marion’s historic Main Street District is a little more colorful. In addition to the traditional American flags, new Virginia flags adorn the top of the light posts throughout the downtown – thanks to Ballad Health.
In February, Mayor David Helms and Marion’s Director of Community and Economic Development Director Ken Heath were planning upcoming summer and fall events for the community. One of the main attractions for the town is the annual display of flags and crosses for Memorial Day, this year numbering more than 3,300. While each one of the memorials is paid for, some of the flags were a bit worn. Through the brainstorming session, Heath remarked about how nice downtown would look if there were a way to have flags up longer, and add the Commonwealth’s flag. A quick call to Smyth County Community Hospital CEO Dale Clark, and the team drafted a proposal. Just days later, the Town received the news that Ballad Health was pleased to partner to provide replacement US flags for the Memorial Day display and new Virginia flags for the downtown.
Town of Marion crews began installing the Virginia flags in preparation for Memorial Day weekend, and last week, completed the project. The navy blue flags now adorn the downtown light poles on the right side, with the US flag on the left.
“We are delighted to have Dale Clark and Ballad Health as part of our community,” said Mayor Helms. “It’s things like this that make a town, for people to come together on projects that make our town look a little better, and these flags sure do serve as a welcome to our visitors. Ballad Health’s generous donation also helped us keep the Memorial Day display looking nice, and that’s so important to us all as we honor our veterans and their loved ones.”
“Smyth County Community Hospital would not be able to succeed without our wonderful community — the team members who live and work here, the patients who trust us with their care and the local leaders who help guide us. We’re thrilled to be able to, in turn, give back and support something so meaningful,” said Dale Clark, chief executive officer at Smyth County Community Hospital.
The new Virginia flags will be us annually Memorial Day through October.
For additional information on upcoming events and activities, please visit marionva.org.
