contact LeMars.NET © LeMars.NET 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.