WILTON — The flag of the United States of America is now flying above the streets of Wilton, East Wilton and East Dixfield, thanks to the Flags on Main Street project.

State Sen. Tom Saviello welcomed a gathering of local residents at Academy Hill School to the dedication Saturday and spoke about how the flag is special and represents our freedom.

Barbara Hathaway, president of Maine Extension Homemaker Council, applauded the work done by Hazel Flagg and the Wilton Day Extension Homemakers in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

“As Hazel says, it takes a village to do this,” Hathaway said, adding what a treasure it is for the community.

“It just shows how the people of Wilton come together for a common purpose,” state Rep. Russell Black said.

And come together they did, according to the list of donations by individuals and businesses in memory or in honor of veterans, which was read by Town Manager Rhonda Irish.

“It took nine months and different obstacles to overcome,” Irish said of the Flags on Main Street project that includes more than 80 flags, most already in place. It grew from Main Street Wilton to East Wilton and East Dixfield.

Members of Farmington Emblem Club 460 provided a flag-folding demonstration as some veterans and residents listened to the meaning for each fold of the flag.

Sammie Angel of Dixfield played and sang several patriotic songs including one she wrote, “If You Love Your Freedom, Thank a Vet.” It was included in Wilton’s time capsule for future generations to consider, she said.

The Rev. Timothy Walmer of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church began the dedication with prayer.

Members of Wilton Day Extension Homemakers received a round of applause for their efforts to bring the bright new flags to local streets.

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