Terry Randolph, commander of the International Falls VFW, said the post had always wanted to do something to commemorate flag day, but “nothing seemed appropriate.”
“It’s a day that more people need to be aware of and think about what the flag means,” said Randolph, a veteran who served in the navy during the Vietnam War. “It’s a symbol of the U.S., of us as Americans.”
So when a chance arose this year to honor flag day, Randolph jumped at the opportunity.
The VFW Post 2948 will host a ceremony in honor of flag day and the military unit, the 751st Engineer Supply Company, at noon on June 14. The group plans to fly the flag for 24 hours until noon on June 15. The flag will be rededicated to the engineer unit, in which local people served.
The ceremony at noon June 14 is open to the public. The post is located at 1416 3rd Ave. W.
Former U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar had originally presented the flag to Falls resident and World War II veteran Roy Janssen, and his engineer unit in 2005. The flag has flown in Washington D.C., and carries with it a certificate officially recognizing that, according to Randolph.
The post had previously done things on flag day that Randolph describes as “low-key” and “nothing official.”
“It’s our first time doing something of this scale on flag day,” he said. “I would hope that people take away a feeling of gratitude and remembrance of the veterans — of the efforts and contributions the veterans have made, and will continue to make.”
Members of the post will raise the flag and remind people what the flag means, he added.
“The meaning of it is to reintegrate and reinstate what the flag means to us; means to the people; means to the veterans; what it means to everyone in this country,” Randolph said. “It stands for freedom, it stands for values — it’s what we, as Americans, stand for.”
After the flag is flown, Randolph will offer to put it on display inside the VFW post in its own case, along with the certificate. He hopes this will allow anyone who sees it to remember its symbol, and what he believes the flag carries.
“It’s a symbol of our values — honesty, integrity and love of our country — love of the freedoms that we have,” Randolph said. “We (Americans) may not be perfect, with all of our little squabbles, but I think we’re the best thing going. We’re pretty damn lucky, we have it pretty easy. I hope the people are reminded to appreciate the opportunities that we have.”
