Marshall County Commissioners table decision on funding Veterans' Grave Flags

A request from the Plymouth American Legion for county funding to place flags on veterans' graves throughout Marshall County has been tabled until July, as commissioners wrestle with how to balance support for a widely praised cause against concerns about setting a precedent for nonprofit funding requests.

Steve Gorski, representing Plymouth American Legion Post 27, appeared before the Board of Commissioners on Monday to request a favorable recommendation to the County Council for an annual stipend of $1,500. The funds would help cover the cost of flags and standards placed on veterans' graves in cemeteries across Marshall County each year ahead of Memorial Day.

Gorski described the scope of the Legion's volunteer-driven mission. "The American Legion provides an all-volunteer service for honoring veterans who have passed," he told commissioners. "The honor guards are ceremonial units dedicated to providing military honors at veterans' funerals, patriotic events, and community ceremonies." Those duties include presenting the colors, performing flag folding ceremonies, firing rifle volleys, and playing taps at memorial services. He noted that Post 27 volunteers perform up to 50 memorial services annually throughout Marshall County.

The tradition of placing flags on graves is a long-standing tribute to those who served in the military — a symbol of respect, gratitude, and remembrance observed by volunteers who fan out across county cemeteries each spring to replace worn or missing flags before the Memorial Day holiday.

While commissioners expressed genuine support for the American Legion grave flags, the path forward proved complicated.

Commissioner Adam Faulstich, a veteran himself, was the most vocal supporter of the request. He noted that Marshall County has two active VFWs and one American Legion post, and that despite a relatively high rate of veterans in the county, those organizations are seeing their membership dwindle. He pointed to what he called tangible benefits to taxpayers — multiple community events hosted by the organizations and rental facilities that support their fundraising efforts. "Of all the things we have been asked for, this is the most palatable," Faulstich said, indicating he was willing to send a favorable recommendation to the council. He did suggest reviewing the American Legion's financials as part of the decision-making process.

Commissioner Stan Klotz expressed support for the cause but raised a broader concern about equity among nonprofit requests. "My question is, we are trying to rein in some of the non-profit requests," Klotz said. "This is a very good cause, very worthwhile, and we want to honor our veterans, but where do we draw the line?" He repeated that concern throughout the discussion, asking how the county could justify saying yes to one organization and no to another. Klotz stated the $1,500 amount itself was not the issue.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon said while the final decision rests with the council, he preferred not to make a perpetual funding commitment and suggested the request be considered as part of the 2027 budget process. He also offered a potential solution — placing the funding within the Veterans Service Officer's budget. "This request does support work that we are statutorily required to do as a part of veterans' service," Bohannon said.

Gorski indicated that any amount of assistance would be helpful, suggesting a smaller contribution would still meaningfully support the Legion's work.

Commissioner Klotz moved to table the matter until the July 6th commissioner meeting, asking staff to explore whether the funding request could be appropriately placed within the Veterans Service Officer's budget. He reiterated his likely support for the request while emphasizing the need for a consistent framework for evaluating nonprofit funding requests going forward.

The Board of Commissioners meets next on Monday, July 16th at 9 a.m. at the County Building.