By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It is evident that Geneseo residents are proud of their community, as many turned out for the “First Raising of the Flags Ceremony” held Friday at the Oakwood Landing Site, which has been designated as a “welcome mat for people accessing Geneseo from Interstate 80.”

The United States flag, State of Illinois flag and City flags were raised for the first time on the new flag pole system installed at the location, at the end of South State St. and Oakwood Ave., at the south edge of Geneseo.

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin said, “The flags are part of the beautification /Interstate welcome area initiative that has been made possible through the generosity and hard work of many in our community. While some components of the site are still under construction, the new city sign and flag pole system is ready.”

The flag poles at the site were donated by Springfield Armory of Geneseo.

Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, served as emcee at the recent ceremony.

The United States Flag was raised by Dennis Reese, representing Springfield Armory; Joe Bedford and Gary Gray, representing the Geneseo VFW Post #5083.

The State of Illinois Flag was raised by Tyler Mackey, representing the Miller Foundation (Central Bank), and Mary Gustafson, representing the Daughters of the American Revolution Geneseo Chapter.

The City of Geneseo Flag was raised by Geneseo Mayor Sean Johnson and Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Elli Shoemaker sang the national anthem.

Sullivan noted that City Administrator Brandon Maeglin and Tom Anderson “played major roles in making today’s flag raising ceremony a reality, and a success.”

Additional plans are for a pedestrian bridge to be installed at the site, pending grant approval and funding.