Following the death of former Bradford resident U.S. Army Master Thom D. Maholic in 2006, Bruce Sherwin, a Mason with Bradford Union Lodge 749, took over the responsibility of caring for 17 large American flags that are flown along West Washington Street every year.
Earlier this summer, Sherwin passed the responsibility of caring for the flags to fellow Mason Dennis Wineberg.
Sherwin, who is 56-year member of the Masons and the lodge treasurer, said the organization replaces the flags each year, as needed, along the area known as the “street of honor” near the former St. Bernard School.
The flags were initially purchased by the lodge prior to Maholic’s funeral in 2006 and placed on utility poles, covering almost an eighth of a mile along West Washington Street. Sherwin came up with the idea of displaying the flags and was the first chairman of the flag-placing committee. This year, he decided that it was time to pass along the responsibility of caring for the flags, which includes hanging the flags prior to Memorial Day and taking them down in the fall.
Maholic was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge, as well as a Bronze Star and Silver Star for heroic actions that saved his fellow warriors’ lives. A large firebase in Afghanistan that was renamed “Firebase Maholic” are among some of the other honors and tributes bestowed on Maholic.
As for Sherwin, he still attends monthly meetings at the lodge, thanks to fellow Masons who provide transportation to and from his new home at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Mason H.L. “Woody” Woodruff said Sherwin’s prior dedication to the care of the flags, and continued interest in the organization, is admirable.
“He was the first person I met when I came to Bradford in 1954,” Woodruff said of Sherwin. Their friendship was further cemented through their membership in the Masons.
“He’s been a faithful Mason and is certainly active and has done a good job,” Woodruff added.
Sherwin said he would welcome visits or cards from community members at the Pavilion. His address is: Pavilion at BRMC, 200 Pleasant St., Room 424 B, Bradford, Pa. 16701.
