Advertisement
Those in La Crosse County — among them the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, The Order of the Purple Heart and Korean War Veterans — have a proud history.
Their devotion to their country and comrade veterans has been evident at numerous events such as Independence Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, flag disposal ceremonies, community event flag presentations and military honors rites during veteran burial ceremonies.
Veterans are grateful for the recognition and thanks from community members who appreciate their efforts.
The Tribune has published several articles regarding the Roy L. Vingers Post 52 flag disposal program.
During the existence of this program numerous La Crosse residents have availed themselves of the flag drop-off receptacles located at Fire Department stations 1 and 4 at Fifth Avenue and Market Street, and 904 Gillette St. The Fire Department assists by burning those flags not disposed of during the annual official flag burning ceremony. According to Clyde Butterfield, the La Crosse Legionnaire in charge of the flag disposal program, thousands of old, tattered and faded flags have been properly disposed of through this program. Clyde says that notes occasionally are attached reflecting the emotions of the person leaving the flag for disposal.
Most are anonymous, many say thank you and others contain a variety of messages. One that Clyde remembers specifically was from a woman who witnessed a neighbor throwing the flag in a trash bin, rescued the flag and placed it in a disposal receptacle knowing that it would be disposed of properly through The American Legion’s flag disposal program.
Clyde said he retrieved an old faded flag from a disposal receptacle the other day that had a particularly moving message that he felt should be shared.
The front of the note had this handwritten message: “Dad, Thanks for this flag. A gift from you several years ago. It is past it’s time to fly — respectfully. I know it’s not folded correctly — I mean no disrespect. Thank you for your service during World War II and teaching me about freedom and patriotism. You were a great father to me and I miss you every day. I love you, and will see you again when it’s my time. Thanks, Dad.”
When Clyde turned the note over, he found this message: “Please take this flag to it’s final resting place. Thank you. Thank you to all whom have served. To protect, defend, sacrifice — risk life and limb, at all costs. Attaining and keeping our country safe. Freedom is precious. Thanks to you, the United States of America is a free country. God bless you and America.”
Clyde Butterfield said he teared up after reading the note. He would like this “anonymous” to know that he says thanks. I believe his comrade veterans all join him with their thanks. It was, and is, our honor to serve America.
Neil Duresky is commander-elect of Roy L. Vingers Post 52, The American Legion.
