In 1969, the Oregon Legislature gave the Secretary of State authority to provide Oregon State flags to Oregonians serving abroad in the armed forces. However, when the economic crisis hit the State of Oregon, the fund and private donations used to purchase and ship those flags dried up, leaving many service members without.
Secretary of State Kate Brown, along with Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) and Representative Sal Esquivel (R-Medford), are hoping to change that.
“Our goal is to raise money to buy enough flags to fulfill all requests and to keep the fund up and running,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “We must express our gratitude to our fellow Oregonians for their commitment, dedication and sacrifice.”
And as dedicated as Secretary Brown and Senator Johnson are, for Representative Esquivel, this is deeply personal. In 1969, while serving in Vietnam he sent a flag request to Oregon Secretary of State Clay Myers. He wanted to fly the flag at his quarters. The flag did arrive along with a letter from Myers thanking him for his service.
“For me receiving the flag and the letter was one of the few things I remember about Vietnam that will remain with me forever,” said Rep. Sal Esquivel. “I am sure there are many of our brave men and women that would love to hear from our government and receive an Oregon flag for their quarters.”
This office is in the process of collecting donations for the fund. Each flag costs $50, which is also the recommended donation, however no donation will be turned back! If you would like to donate you can call 503-986-2204 or send checks or money orders made out to Secretary of State Flag Fund to:
Secretary of State’s Office
C/O Flag Fund
Business Services Division
255 Capitol Street NE
Salem Oregon 97310
Let’s make sure that our braved service men and women from Oregon can have the opportunity to receive this wonderful gift. Donate now!
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