Tired flags retired on Flag Day
Jerry “Bear” Rote, who served in the Army 1960-62, feeds the flames as Marine Corps veteran John Miller brings more flags. (Carolyn Hidy photos/Lake County Leader)
Jerry “Bear” Rote, who served in the Army 1960-62, feeds the flames at the Flag Day retirement ceremony at Polson’s Lakeview Cemetery. In line are John Miller (served in Marine Corps), Bobby Radtke (Air Force Air Rescue), Bud Radtke (Lt. Col. Air Force), Don Lilly (Army Special Forces), and Sydney and Elijah Williams, great-grandchildren of WWII Navy veteran Jim Sivelle, who also attended.
In solemn ceremony, members of American Legion Post 112, Marine Corps League of Polson, and VFW gathered on Flag Day, June 14, at Lakeview Cemetery to respectfully retire about a hundred worn U.S. flags.
As spelled out in American Legion tradition, one flag was ceremonially presented for inspection by Post 112 Commander Dorothy Goodwin and Sgt. at Arms Don Lilly, and judged “unserviceable” by Vice Commanders Glen Sharbono and Bud Radtke.
They were noted for having served “honorable use,” such as “over the graves of our departed comrades and the soldier, Marine, sailor and airman dead of all our nation’s wars,” and other public places.
Jerry “Bear” Roat placed the first flag in the fire, and then a line formed as all attendees stepped up to be part of the ceremony.
Spanning the generations, WWII veteran Jim Sivelle was joined by his granddaughter, Heidi Williams, and great-grandchildren Sydney and Elijah Williams, who are visiting while their father, Chris, is training with the Army.
The evening view of Flathead Lake, the roar of the fire, and the camaraderie of those who have served made for a touching and memorable honoring of our U.S flag.