Pink flamingos are part of project to honor men and women in military

Flocks of bright pink flamingos are still popping up around the city and it has nothing to do with a retro-trend in lawn ornaments. The plastic critters are one of the ways that the Keeping the Light On project is paid for.

That enterprise began two years ago when a group of volunteers got together to find a way to honor veterans, as well as men and women presently serving in the military and those who will be in the future.

Volunteers Nancy Dow and Miami Blake thought up the flamingo scheme.

The idea is that in the warm months someone will put a 'flock' of 15 to 20 of the birds on the lawn of an area business, residences or other type of organization. The next morning, they are asked to donate $25 if they want to get rid of the ornaments. Then they get to choose who the next victim will be.

Last summer, the flamingos brought in around $5,000, according to Jim Carroll, who spearheaded the Leaving the Light on project.

"This summer hasn't been as busy, but it's been terrific," he said. "Just putting these crazy pink plastic flamingos on people's lawns. " "It's hilarious."

The project up to this point has entailed revamping Veterans Park (formerly Veterans Square) across from the town library. With roughly $75,000, the volunteers installed a black granite fountain and a bench for people to relax and meditate. Part of the project also entailed some major landscaping such as adding walkways, lighting and irrigation.

Carroll's daughter Christina designed the "living memorial" fountain, which was dedicated on Memorial Day.

He said his inspiration for the initiative was his son, who is active in the air force.

Carroll remarked that one of his son's friends who is also active in the military told him over the phone recently: "It's a great feeling to be in the service and to know that's there."