Route 179 Flags are Tribute to Family, Community and Country

The flags that adorn Route 179 each year are a fitting symbol for Memorial Day but for one local family and many Canton residents, they have a much deeper meaning. 

It was 2004 when the late Elaine Zils went out early one morning when few would see and quietly hung flags along the route. It was an honor to her son who served in the U.S. Army. 

"She got such a positive response that she and a friend expanded it," said her sister Melissa Zils. 

It was friend Stella Richardson and Boy Scout Troop 77 that helped broaden the effort and each year the flags are hung along the road's entire Canton stretch. They hang from Memorial Day to Veteran's Day. 

Tragically, Elaine died in a 2006 car crash. 

Richardson made sure the tradition continued. A fund was also established at Collinsville Savings Society. Today family, friends and scouts make sure they go up each year. 

"It's been such a positive thing and a nice memorial," Melissa Zils said. "It meant a lot to her and it means a lot to us to keep it going for her." 

Richardson still remembers the day she saw the flags hanging in Canton Center near Elaine's home. 

"It was just so moving," she said. 

Last weekend, the scout troop once again went out on an early Sunday to hang the flags that Zils and others had gotten together. 

"I do have so much help from the scouts, family and friends," Melissa Zils said. 

While the family purchases high-quality flags and poles from Flagman of America in Avon, weather, pole replacement and other factors eventually take their toll. This year, the fund dried up but family members helped pitch in for 20 extra flags that will be put up soon. 

A small crew also works to repair or replace damaged flags or poles. Anyone who sees one that needs attention can contact Melissa at (860) 543-2642 or missyzils@comcast.net.

More about the effort can also be seen on the Elaine Zils Memorial Flags facebook page. 

To donate to the effort: 
make checks payable to
Elaine Zils Memorial Flag Fund
Collinsville Savings Society, PO Box 197, 136 Main Street, Collinsville, CT 06022.