ATTLEBORO -- As a tribute to veter ans past and present, the Stars and Stripes now fly proudly on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette.

The flag was attached to its new flag pole and raised during a dedication cer emony conducted by Brother Bob Rus sell, shrine director, Monday morning.

The event was followed by a Mass to honor veterans.

Through a project initiated by the shrine staff to include the flag on the shrine property, the flag, flagpole and dedication plaque were made possible by local veterans, veterans groups and various Knights of Columbus councils.

Along with the names of donors, the plaque reads as follows: `` This flagpole and flag was donated in loving memory and in honor of the Knights of Columbus and America's Veterans past, present and future. May they always stand in the light and Mercy of God.''

Before a crowd of donors and local dignitaries and officials, James McCann, director of veterans services of North Attleboro, shared his senti ments and expressed for many the sig nificance of the flag's inclusion on shrine property.

He spoke of the respect for the flag that was instilled in him since childhood and the importance of the flag as a sym bol to which everyone can easily relate.

`` So, to look at our flag and to see the beautiful colors and understand that that flag represents not just veterans who had their lives taken, but those who served -- not just veterans, but your mothers and fathers, your grandpar ents, young uncles and aunts, your chil dren, the hope of the future, the hope of justice to keep increasing in our land,'' he said.

As a tribute to the occasion, Russell also wrote a poem, which began `` As we gather today to dedicate this flagpole, Stately standing, ready to perform its work, This flagpole is placed on this blessed site, To Display the symbol of justice and right.''

In thanking all who assisted with and supported the event, Russell summed up the occasion by saying, `` Let us rejoice and be glad, for our flag will stand here for eternity.''

The veterans' groups and veterans recognized for their contributions to the flag and flagpole were Veterans Ser vices of North Attleboro, the Disabled American Veterans Westcott Houghton Chapter 56, James and Elaine Mccann, James and Jean Schmidt, George and Janet McCauley, Joseph Clougherty, Debra Foley and Joe and Fran Costa, all of North Attleboro; Miriam and Freder ick Holmes of Plainville; and Bill and Ginny Kitchegan of Rehoboth, who donated the fag.

The Knights of Columbus councils recognized for their contributions were councils of Attleboro, Foxboro, Norton, Avon, Brockton, East Taunton and Fall River.