Volunteers for the past 21 years have made it possible for the placement of 2,400 flags along Manteca’s major thoroughfares on Memorial Day.

And more are needed in the coming weeks — and year — to make sure all 2,400 flags can be placed on select national holidays.

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce’s marquee community project was launched after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America.

The goal was to not just remember those who have sacrificed and served America but to make sure that the nation’s history and struggles aren’t taken for granted or forgotten.

The next two flag dates are Wednesday, June 14, for Flag Day, and Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day.

Flags are also placed on Labor Day, Patriot Day marking the terrorists attacks in 2001, Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Da,y and Armed Forces Day.

When enough volunteers are available, flags line almost the entire length of Main Street and Yosemite Avenue that intersect at the city’s heart by the five murals honoring those who served in five wars on the east facing wall on Manteca Bedquarters.

Individuals volunteers or organizations willing  to help are appreciated.

It involves placing a set number of flags on specific stretches in the morning and collecting them in the afternoon.

The chamber launched the idea for the flag project several months after the terrorist attacks.

At first, there were more than a few that were skeptic. The chamber had to raise $70,000. They had to arrange with the city to drill 2,400 holes in concrete to support flagpoles. Then they had to put the flag poles together, varnish them, embroider them, and attach the flags to the poles plus find a place to store them.

The goal was to have them in place by the first anniversary of Sept. 11 which eventually has become known as Patriots Day.

 Doubters quickly went to the wayside. The chamber raised the $70,000 in less than seven weeks.

For more information on how to help, call the chamber at (209) 823-6121.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com