03/23/2026
Wow! What an unexpected and humbling show of support. Thank you!
For more than two decades, the Northfield Community Flag Project has honored our country, our veterans, and the pride we share in our town. Each year from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, American flags line Route 12 through Northfield, a tradition many of us cherish.
At this year's Town Meeting Day, a request for $3,000 to help sustain the project was narrowly defeated by just two votes. While that was disappointing, I respect the decision and understand the economic pressures many families are facing. That is democracy in action, protected by the men and women who have worn the cloth of our nation with the American flag worn on their right sleeve.
What happened next was truly remarkable.
Without my knowledge, my daughter Julia shared a Facebook post about growing up helping me prepare the flags along Route 12. Those photos of a little girl doing her best to "help" her daddy clearly resonated.
She also created a GoFundMe page simply because she believed the tradition was worth preserving. The response was incredible. Friends, Norwich alums, community members, and people from outside Northfield stepped forward with generosity and patriotism.
In just a few days, more than $6,000 was raised, more than twice the amount requested on the town ballot.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared the message, or offered encouragement. Your support ensures that Old Glory will continue to fly proudly throughout Northfield.
Most of all, thank you to my daughter Julia. Her initiative is a powerful reminder that traditions matter, especially when they connect generations.
If you would still like to show your patriotic support, the GoFundMe link remains open: https://gofund.me/eb0d08483
Thank you all, and God Bless Northfield, Norwich, and America.
Bill Passalacqua
Chair, Northfield Community Flag Project
