Tattered Flag on Veterans Day

A couple of decades ago, World War II veterans started the Avenue of Flags tradition on Cape County Park North on Highway 61 between Cape and Jackson.

On patriotic holidays, including September 11, volunteers put up flags representing a deceased veteran who served in a war era or in combat.

American flag was frayed

While I was walking around looking at the flags, I noticed this one that was a bit yellow. It had a hole or two in it and part of the edge was fraying. There was no name on the pole, that I could see, so I don’t know who it represents.

Just then, a gentle breeze stirred the flag and I saw a square field of stars. This was a 48-star flag. Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and caused the rows of stars to be staggered. This flag could be as much as half a century old. I’d love to know the story behind it.

Photographers’ delight

Cars with license plates from all over the area drive by. Some stop and their occupants take photos. The late afternoon wind was calm, so the photos weren’t as dramatic as other holidays.

Law Enforcement Memorial

Some visitors pause to look at the Law Enforcement Memorial for officers killed in the line of duty. Others charge off, apparently to track down a specific flag.

Nearly 700 flags are displayed

A Missourian story said that one person can put up the nearly 700 flags in less than two hours.

Display of the flags is governed by the Federal Flag Code. If there is a 40 percent or greater chance of rain, the flags aren’t displayed. Flags are supposed to be up only between sunrise and sunset unless they are illuminated. When we passed the park after dusk, the flags had already been put away for the next patriotic holiday.

5 Replies to “Tattered Flag on Veterans Day”

  1. I love seeing the flags flying – the more there are the greater impact. I am unhappy when I see tattered flags flying, however. Not only is it against flag protocol, but it is quite unsightly.

    1. Barb,

      The flag I photographed had some fraying, but it wasn’t offensive. Shoot, I have some fraying, too, and could be considered unsightly, but I hope I can wave a few more years.

  2. A truly moving site…you did good. I remember the 48 state Flag. Probably half the Pledge Of Allegiances I have said in my life where to this 48 state Flag…

    1. Terry, thanks for the kind words, but all the credit goes to the volunteers and God. The volunteers provided the labor to put up the flags and God provided the good lighting.

      OK, he could have improved things by kicking in a little more breeze to cause the flags to flutter, but….

      Given the choice between a breeze that’s lacking and a lightning bolt aimed at the wicked, I’d better settle for the calm winds.

  3. I don’t think anyone has mentioned where the flags came from. They have all been donated by families of veterans. The flags were draped on the caskets of the deceased veteran. They are then donated along with a small fee for the flagpole and bronze nameplate honoring each veteran.

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