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Politics & Government

Save the Date: New Flagpole Installation Date Decided

Corey Shea Flagpole to go up June 26

With another large contribution from a Mansfield company boosting the tally, the new flagpole is on the way. Selectman Jess Aptowitz announced that Samsonite had donated $5000 to the approximately $30,000 price tag for the pole last week, and said a date, June 26, has been set for the dedication of the new pole to fallen Mansfield soldier Corey Shea, who died in Iraq in 2008 at the age of 21.

Aptowitz, who championed the cause last winter with Veteran's Agent John Hogan and Shea's mother, Denise Anderson, said donations from individuals have played a valuable part in the raising of the money, and urged residents to send checks to Town Hall to support the new flagpole and landscaping around it on the South Common.

The 80-foot, clear-coated aluminum pole is on order and will replace the peeling metal 120-foot pole that was taken down at 6 a.m. one morning this past week. The rope for the flag will be inside the pole, similar to the flagpole in front of the police station.

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Aptowitz told the board a cement-printing company will reproduce the pattern around the pole that is now around the sign pointing to Mansfields of the world.

He also said lights will be installed that will illuminate the flag at night.

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Donations of $500 and over will be thanked with a flag in a special case, and all donors will be listed in the program.

The Fire Department union is also selling special red shirts to commemorate the event, and will match all money donated for the shirts.

A granite marker with Shea's name on it will be placed at the base of the pole.

The ceremony dedicating the flag to SPC Corey Shea of the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment will be held June 26 at 1 p.m.

"We hope to make a nice event out of it," said Aptowitz. "This will be a good thing."

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