Jim Rolfes recites his poem “Come Visit My Grave” an Avenue of Flags tradition.
Duty, honor, respect,love
. I'm not sure what motivated dozens of
men to show up at six in the morning on Memorial Day. I know why
I was there: Thanks for those who served our country and
community.
Le Mars' "Avenue of Flags" is an annual ritual that has been going
on for nearly four decades. From what I observed at dawn's early
light it has exceeded meticulous organization to become an art
form. Nearly twelve hundred flags placed in holders and grouped
by alphabet. It took around an hour for the flags to be placed.
The choreography included two semis provided by Schuster
Trucking that held the flags, men working out of the back of the
trailers handing flags to men who continuously lined up behind the
trucks. These men then placed them in the holders and it was back
into line for more flags.
The trucks worked around the Courthouse block. Directors
monitored the process and made sure each flag was properly
placed, rarely pointing to a missed holder.
It all went off hardly missing a beat. Actually, a few of the guys
looked like they were sleep walking.
I wondered whether I wanted to get up early and document the
process. I'm glad I did. The urge to look under the hood of what
many might take for granted later on that morning was worth it. It
extended my sense of thanks beyond those that "served" to those
who still do.
One can only hope the dedication to service extends for
generations to come. And from the age of some of the young men
helping, the future looks promising.
Sacrifices Made,
A Community Molded
A beautiful, sunny morning. Just enough wind to fill
the flags without having them give you a good snap in
the face as you walk in their midst. The tinkling of the
tags of over one thousand veterans swinging in the
breeze. This is Le Mars "Avenue of Flags."
A Legion member said it has only rained twice in nearly
thirty years. One can't remember many bad weather
days for what has become Le Mars' special salute to its
citizens who served our country. Families proudly and
somberly present the flags of their loved ones who
have recently passed away. What a privilege to think
that they "served."
A highlight each year is the reading of the thousand,
plus name roster by Le Mars attorney Patrick Murphy.
For long time community members it is a time to close
your eyes and listen to the names of those who were a
part of your life. "Earl Bogen," Mr. Fireman, walking
downtown with his pipe, driving the La France," Clyde
Overman," the man at Bowers clothing who sold you
your Boy Scout uniform, "Arnie Robinette," as much a
fixture at the Post Office as the flag, itself. "Max
Pehler," whose tales of experiences after the fall of
Nazi Germany could keep a young man listening for
hours even sitting on the hard oak chair at Far Away
Tours.
The thoughts enter your mind about as fast as Pat
reads the names. The thankfulness for those who gave
their lives so we could enjoy such a beautiful day in
peace. The realization that those who lived beyond the
wars contributed so much to our community. Life can
truly be sweet in Le Mars.