As we celebrate Independence Day, let's revisit a blog entry that is most appropriate for today.
Goodwill Flag Center employee sews together stripes of the flag.
Two years ago, Goodwill Industries of South Florida opened its doors to the Miami-Dade County Postal Customer Council (MDCPCC) membership to observe first-hand how flags were made.
Goodwill Flag Center workers, some with significant disabilities, were busily manufacturing American flags --- 500 to be completed by the end of the day. The flags were made with reverence. At no time did the fabric touch the floor during the manufacturing process. From the first stitch on the first star to the last stitch on the last stripe, these were not just any stars and stripes. They were to be used for the funerals of military veterans and active duty personnel, those who have given the last measure of devotion.
Goodwill Flag Center workers, some with significant disabilities, were busily manufacturing American flags --- 500 to be completed by the end of the day. The flags were made with reverence. At no time did the fabric touch the floor during the manufacturing process. From the first stitch on the first star to the last stitch on the last stripe, these were not just any stars and stripes. They were to be used for the funerals of military veterans and active duty personnel, those who have given the last measure of devotion.
In addition to manufacturing flags for military funeral services, the Goodwill facility in Miami is one of three in the country that also makes flags for presidential funerals, to drape the caskets of presidents and be presented to grieving first ladies.
Goodwill of South Florida opened its apparel manufacturing branch in 1993 and added its flag-making operation in 1996. The nonprofit saw government contracts for military uniform and interment flag production as a way to offer employment to large numbers of people, and seized the opportunity. Since then, the branch has become the largest source of revenue for the nonprofit, second only to the income generated from Goodwill’s thrift stores.
The production of interment flags earns Goodwill over $3.2 million in revenue each year, with 96 percent put toward the training, employment and job placement of people with disabilities.
Goodwill Flag Center employee completes the finishing touches by sewing the embroidered stars to the stripes sewn together by a co-worker.
Quality Control employees inspect each flag prior to folding and shipping.
Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte
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