Submitted photo Joanna Parker, Davey Tree’s Client Experience Coordinator, was among the crew who repainted the 50-foot flagpole in front of Poland’s American Legion Post 15. Davey Tree did the work for free. Her father-in-law helped build the Post in 1936.

POLAND — On April 23, Davey Tree donated their time, bucket-truck and talent to repaint the rusted flagpole at Poland’s American Legion Post 15 on Cortland Street.

The Post was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936 during the Great Depression, and the 50-foot-high steel flagpole was set in concrete during the construction project.

The Legion requested help from Davey Tree to help paint the rusty flagpole to get ready for Poland’s annual Memorial Day ceremonies that traditionally begin at the Legion Post.

Joanna Parker, Davey’s Client Experience Coordinator, embraced the pole painting project as a way of giving back to the community, and honoring her father-in-law, who actually worked on the WPA crew who built the post 90 years ago.

“It’s a thrill to help restore the old flag pole and celebrate this legacy of my father-in-law, who used to talk about his experience working on this building,” Parker said.

Kevin Crump, Davey Consulting Arborist, drove the bucket truck to the site, then jumped in the bucket to do the highest painting.

“It was obvious the pole needed a coat of paint, but the steel was in great condition for something that dates back to the 1930s,” Crump said.

Pat Lally, Commander of Post 15, said the Poland American Legion has carried on a tradition of veteran service for more than a century.

“The restoration of the flagpole is another example of American resilience, honoring the generations of Mahoning Valley veterans who continued to serve their community through organizations like the American Legion,” Lally said.

Davey Tree’s crew came from the company’s Youngstown office.