USS Edson Museum to Hold Fundraiser to Erect Malleable Iron Flag Pole
Saginaw Plant Recalls World War II Slogan: "We Pour More to Win the War"
February 21, 2010
By: Dave Rogers
RAISING MONEY -- On March 4th and 5th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the SVNSM will hold a fundraiser in the cafeteria at the Saginaw Metal Casting Plant (SMCO) in Saginaw.
"We Pour More to Win the War" was the slogan in 1941 for the General Motors Malleable Iron Plant in Saginaw.
The plant made Armasteel Gun Parts and 2,500 tons of static cast steel castings for tank tracks which were produced monthly.
At the front of the plant stood a 70 ft flagpole. When the plant shut down, the flagpole stood there for a couple of years, until Saginaw Waste Water took ownership.
The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum (SVNSM) was notified of the flag pole's existence by personnel working at Saginaw Metal Casting that the pole was at Saginaw Waste Water. After contacting Saginaw Waste Water, they agreed to donate the flagpole to SVNSM.
The flagpole is presently sitting at Saginaw Waste Water in Saginaw. In March, when the weather clears, the Museum plans on erecting the 70 ft flagpole at the site where the USS Edson DD-946 will be moored, beginning this summer if all goes according to plan.
On March 4th and 5th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the SVNSM will hold a fundraiser in the cafeteria at the Saginaw Metal Casting Plant (SMCO) in Saginaw.
This fundraiser will help to purchase two 15' X 30' flags for the flagpole. The United Auto Workers and Management are giving full support for this fundraiser.
At SMCO, there are many veterans working at the plant. These veterans span numerous generations over the years and represent all branches of service.
To all retirees, whether a veteran or not, but love this nation and are willing to help, come on out and donate to this worthy cause," says Mike Kegley, SVNSM president.
Once the money has been raised, the SVNSM will notify the Saginaw Metal Castings Plant when the flagpole will be raised at the site. All personnel that helped in the fundraiser will be invited to the site for the first flag raising. SMCO personnel will raise the first flag. This flag raising ceremony will be held on a weekend to accommodate workers' schedules.
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