'Flags Over Murrysville' founder marks project's 30th anniversary

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Up to 20 times each year, drivers along a 2-and-a-half-mile stretch of William Penn Highway in Murrysville are reminded of Old Glory, as they pass 340 American flags posted along either side of the highway.

Longtime Murrysville resident Bob McKenna, 74, got the “Flags Over Murrysville” project started in 1991 as a member of the local Kiwanis Club. By 2005, Kiwanis was having trouble fielding enough members to walk the length of the project, and McKenna shifted it over to American Legion Post No. 711, where he also is a member.

“It takes eight cars and 16 people,” McKenna said.

And while it may have been tough finding enough Kiwanis members to help, there is no lack of volunteers now as the group marks 30 years of patriotic service.

“We have about 80 on our volunteer list,” McKenna said. Some volunteers come right off the road — literally.

“We had a 22-year-old girl pull over while we were setting them up a few years ago, and she asked if she could help,” McKenna said. “Now she’s a volunteer on our list.”

Businesses and individuals can “sponsor” a flag for $25 a year. The sponsorships initially were meant just to cover the cost of materials and replacing the flags as the years go by, but enough money came in that the Legion was able to donate to local veteran service groups.

“It’s probably raised more than $200,000 over the years,” McKenna said.

Murrysville Chief Administrator Jim Morrison said the project is “a nice representation for the community because a lot of people know Murrysville from driving down Route 22, and it’s a great day when you get to drive down and see all the flags.”

Murrysville Councilman Mac McKenna has seen the impact his father’s project has on people.

“The whole thing is just inspiring,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many times the mayor and chief administrator get calls about it, from community members and just people driving through the community who see it.”

The elder McKenna said those reactions are what makes the whole project worth the effort.

“That’s the biggest thing that can happen, is feedback from people who it really affects,” he said.