Sisters flag has a story

In honor of Memorial Day on May 29, there is a new, very large American flag flying atop the flagpole in front of WaFd Bank (formerly Washington Federal) at 610 N. Arrowleaf Trail.

The flag, which measures a generous 10-by-16-feet, was gifted to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8138 by a gentleman who had purchased it years ago to fly at the opening of a project he had constructed. It had been folded up in his garage for years, and when he was preparing to move recently, he donated it to the VFW. It took four veterans to install the new flag due to its size.

The WaFd building, which started out 18 years ago as South Valley Bank, has always flown a flag in front. Earl Schroeder and other local military veterans have seen to it that the flag is replaced when it becomes tattered by the wind and weather. Last year, someone stole the flag, and now there is a light and security camera focused on the flag at night.

Rochelle Johnson, the WaFd manager, is grateful to the veterans for their gift. She said Schroeder indicated, "The flag flies in place for all the fallen soldiers."

She added that it also flies for all current military who are serving their country.

Johnson said the current installation is a test to decide if the flag will remain in place until it needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. The flagpole must be able to sustain the flag in a big wind.

There will be a ceremony at Village Green Park on Memorial Day at 11 a.m. See related story on page 3.