May 7, 2018, Greensburg, The Latrobe Bulletin—The Westmoreland County Veterans Affairs department is making available a limited number of free flag holders to decorate Veterans’ mausoleums this Memorial Day. The holders are American-manufactured by Pennsylvania company MausoleumFlags.com through a donation by the Robert Ruggieri Foundation.
Westmoreland County residents wishing to obtain a flag holder can stop by Veterans Affairs on the 2nd floor of the Westmoreland County Courthouse at 2 N Main Street, Greensburg, and provide the Veteran’s name. Department staff have a limited supply, so please call ahead to 724-830-3530. If there is a large demand, additional holders will be requested.
Bob Ruggieri was an Army Airborne Veteran who helped Boy Scouts place flags on fellow Veterans’ graves for over 30 years. Scout Alex Pierce worked alongside Bob, and when Alex realized there was no flag on Rob’s mausoleum resting place following his passing in 2014, he invented a lightweight flag holder to do the job.
The Robert Ruggieri Foundation, a registered 501c3 charity, distributes the holders free of charge thanks to generous donors. Those wishing to support this mission may visit www.mausoleumflags.com to learn more about making a tax-deductible contribution.