Farmington family donates flagpole to cemetery in memory of local veterans, first responders
Nov. 8—FARMINGTON — As the end of fall approaches, trees across Marion County that were once lined with colorful leaves now stand bare, throwing into relief the rolling hills of West Virginia.
While autumn's colorful leaves make their departure, one cemetery in Farmington boasts a new flagpole that will color the town year round with familiar shades of red, white and blue.
On Nov. 4, members of the Farmington community gathered in the International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, located off Loof Road, to dedicate a new flag and flagpole to veterans and first responders laid to rest at the cemetery.
The flagpole was created in memory of Pete Alasky Jr., a Marion County resident and WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. Alasky's family attended the ceremony, having donated the flagpole, and a plaque in Alasky's honor sits at the new site.
Gary Jenkins, a trustee of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows — the fraternal order that oversees the cemetery — helped organize an area in the cemetery for the new flagpole.
Jenkins was also assisted by PJ Alasky, and a team of students from the Marion County Technical Center led by building construction teacher Randy John Pheasant. Together, the group prepared a site in the cemetery for the flag pole installation.
The flag was donated by Scott Crouch, a representative from life insurance company Woodmen of the World. Crouch presented the American flag at the Saturday ceremony, where it was raised before an audience of community members from Farmington and beyond.
The ceremony was kicked off by local musician Franchesca Aloi, who is the great granddaughter of Alasky. Aloi performed the national anthem at the start of the event.
Aloi was followed by Diane Alasky Aloi, who delivered a speech outlining the steps taken to bring the flagpole project to fruition.
The project began in January, and required the entire community to come together to make it a reality, she said.
The cemetery is managed by Electric Lodge No. 67 of the IOOF, and marks the final resting place of U.S. veterans and first responders. Representatives from the IOOF lodge will oversee the newly created flagpole site as well.
Individuals who wish to donate to the cemetery's upkeep can send contributions to IOOF Electric Lodge No. 67, P.O. Box 115, Farmington, WV 26571.
Reach Jack Walker by email at jwalker@timeswv.com.
