American Flag Display, local veteran highlighted during ceremony

A one-of-a-kind American flag will be on display at the Canfield Fairgrounds throughout Labor Day Weekend.
This flag was constructed with 43-hundred drywall screws, painted and drilled in at different lengths, all thanks to Retired Chief Petty Officer Joe Pisano.
The display was the center of a ceremony underscoring its significance, and allowed local veterans the opportunity to sign the 3-D fixture.
The Flag, which has made its way around the Buckeye State, has collected signatures from members of different branches, and conflicts. Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio Rhigetti announced that the interactive display will have a permanent home here in the valley.
Leaders with the Mahoning Veterans Memorial, also the venue where Friday's ceremony was held, hopes that this will have a lasting impact on the valley's heroes.
"What we're hoping for today is to open an avenue for awareness for veterans who need help, particularly those who are contemplating some kind of suicide.", said Fred Schrock, the president of MVM.
Boardman resident and Air Force Veteran Patrick Romeo has been on the same mission. He rode 10,000 miles from Florida to Alaska, to bring awareness to veterans, while also raising money for the Resurrecting Lives Foundation with each mile he traveled.
"Even though my ride is over, the challenge for a lot of our veterans continues everyday--so just to get the awareness out there, to get the support so we can assist the.", said Romeo.
In 2022, the Suicide hot line changed from a ten-digit number to 9-8-8, ironically Romeo's riding number, and a cause worth riding for. Along with the Veteran Affairs' efforts to bring more resources to veterans in need, organizers say meeting the need as a community is a good place to start.
Employing them, educating them, and making sure they get to healthcare, whether it be the VA, or specialty care outside, I think the community needs to do more the reach out to them.", said Chrisanne Gordone, founder of the Resurrecting Lives Foundation.
The nonprofit raises awareness and funds for veteran with Traumatic Brain Injuries(TBI). To donate, or for more information, click here