SACKETS HARBOR — For years, the only time the American flag flew at Military Cemetery was during holidays and celebrations.

Kevin R. Oliver, commander of Squadron 1757 of the Sons of the American Legion, is heading a group from the squadron that will make the flag a permanent fixture.

"My father's buried down there," Mr. Oliver said. "It always bothered me that the flag was put up only on special occasions and holidays."

The flag can be flown only when illuminated, either by the sun or artificially.

The group will be installing lights, the foundation for a memorial flower garden and a second flagpole near the sign on Dodge Avenue today.

Mr. Oliver expects 15 to 20 members of the squadron will help with the project, beginning around 9:30 a.m.

Larry T. Beach II, a member of Squadron 1757, said, "We're doing it to help the community."

Mr. Beach and his father, Larry T., a member of the Legion, run B&B Builders. They will donate about 3 yards of concrete for the base of the flagpole and footer.

The village runs Military Cemetery through a committee. Mayor Michael R. Kinnie said the project will reinforce the cemetery's importance to the village.

"It's a great way to honor the vets," he said. "And to have the flagpole on Dodge Avenue will really bring the focal point on the cemetery."

Mr. Oliver said future plans include putting brick on the wall of the flower garden and planting flowers in and outside of the flower bed. He said the Squadron will work on a design for a plaque for the garden, as well.

"I want this to look really nice," he said. "This is our contribution to the village and to the cemetery."