A Wareham- and Franklin-based program that provides free U.S. flags to public, private, and charter schools, celebrated Flag Day this month by expanding their program nationwide.

The Adopt a School Flagpole program was founded by Robert Long, CEO of Franklin Flags. 

Manufacturing plants shipping from each coast, will provide prompt deliveries to recipient schools in all states.

"All schools have Flagpoles ranging from 20' feet to 80' feet tall," said Long.  For numerous reasons, not the least of which are the present economy and budget cuts, many of these poles have no flag, or a flag that is either much too small, tattered or torn."

The goal of the program is to find donors/sponsors (businesses, organizations, or individuals), willing to provide a new U.S. flag to the school(s) of their choice, on an annual basis.

After the community's School Board and/or Superintendent approves the acceptance of this gift, Franklin Flags will provide the proper size, U.S.-made, Government-approved, and top quality flag(s).

The participating schools and their supporters are:

• John William Decas School: Wareham Barber Shop
• Minot Forest School: Cub Scout Pack 93, Wareham/Onset
• Wareham High School: The Wareham Observer
• Wareham Middle School: Dunkin' Donuts
• Ethel E. Hammond School: Cup of the Bay
• East Wareham School: Music of the Bay
• West Wareham School: Longhorn Steakhouse