The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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June 28, 2009

Accidents bring down memorial flags

By Dan Linehan

WASECA — Hundreds of American flags, most donated to honor the memory of a veteran, have flown over two Waseca cemeteries between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July for the past four years.

But they’re down early this year after motorists were knocking one over just about every day — accidentally, it seems. The poles have paint from the vehicles that hit them.

It’s not the first time the poles have been damaged, but this year’s pace and the costs it incurred were just too much, said Dick Holtz, chairman of the Avenue of Flags committee.

They took down all 220 flags on June 4, about two weeks after they’d been installed at Woodville and Calvary cemeteries.

It costs between $30 and $50 to repair a flagpole, depending on how damaged it is. They’ve incurred more than $1,000 in damages during the past four years. And of the 34 hit poles, there have been only two people who called and offered to pay.

Still, it’s not all about the money.

“I guess what we want more than anything is the satisfaction that people are admitting it, coming forward and we’re not just putting good money after bad money,” Holtz said.

That money is donated by people who pay $135 to get a memorial plaque at about eye level on the 20-foot poles.

Holtz said he hopes getting the message out will encourage others to come forward. So far, one more person has offered to pay for a pole they hit after seeing media reports.

Those with questions can call Holtz at 507-835-4033.

Holtz already misses the flags.

“It’s just uplifting to go out and see the red, white and blue ... it just lifts your heart up.”

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