Veterans encouraged to lend a handprint for memorial flag senior project

November 19, 2012

Veteran Mike Wasicki (left) leaves his handprint on a memorial flag that Punxsutawney Area High School Senior Amy Jo Parente (right) is working on as part of her senior project. (Photo by Destiny Pifer/The Punxsutawney Spirit)

PUNXSUTAWNEY — PAHS senior Amy Jo Parente was in need of an idea for a senior project.

Deciding to see if anyone needed help at Mulberry Square Elder Care &

Rehabilitation Center, she met Vickie Amundson, Mulberry activities director, who came up with the idea of doing a handprint flag.

Veterans from all over are invited to take part in this project, where they will put their handprints on what soon will be a replica of the U.S. flag.

Currently, the blue field with white handprints as stars is already complete.

Now begins the process of making the red stripes.

Both Parente and Amundson want to get as many veterans as they can to lend their handprints to the flag. Then, if their space is filled, members of the public will be invited to leave their handprints in memory of a veteran.

The names of those who leave handprints, as well as the names of those in memory, will be added to the flag as well.

The flag is 10’ x 13’ and, once completed, will be on display in the 2013 Fourth of July Parade. Playing the part of Betsy Ross is Collie Couser, who will be sewing the finished flag together.

Though it is a lengthy process, the goal is to have the flag completed by spring.

Anyone interested in taking part in the project can call Amundson at 938-6020.