MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_APRIL 15, 2013
Flying Free
There are two things in this world which get me going every day. One is the sight of an American Flag floating free in the breeze under a bright blue Florida sky and the second is a soaring American Bald Eagle.
On most days, I can see both and I appreciate what they represent and what the cost has been to keep the Flag flying free for over two hundred thirty-five plus years.
Recently I have brought several flag concerns into my columns which I felt were worth writing about.
I received an email from Glenda Messmore of the Ellenton VFW Post 9226 (3551 12th St. E, Ellenton – 941-729-8535) telling me the Post would be replacing an American Flag for one of its members who was a WWII Veteran.
I stopped by Post 9226 on Monday (April 1st) and found we were going to Ed Wicichowski’s residence to replace his flag. What I didn’t know was the Post had previously replaced the entire pole with a new telescoping aluminum pole and today was the day to top it with a brand new American Flag.
A representative from the Post knocked at Ed’s door and there was no answer. A quick cell phone call was made to Ed and he finally came out through the garage to meet us.
Before we left Ed had a new pole and two flags, one being the American Flag and the second being a POW/MIA Flag.
When everyone had left I sat and talked with Ed and found out he served in the U.S. Army in an artillery unit in Germany in 1945. He said he was proud to serve his time and did what was asked of him, as did all of those who served in WWII.
I asked him what had happened to his flag and pole and he told me during one of the rain storms which was accompanied by high winds the pole was bent and the flag was torn.
A couple of neighbors contacted VFW Post 9226 and the post took it upon themselves to replace the pole and flag at no expense to Ed, after all he was a WWII Veteran.
When I left Ed was sitting on a bench on the side of his driveway admiring his new American Flag and pole.
I would like to thank Commander Mike Farley, Joe and Rhonda Cooper, Karen Cabe, Jane and Tom Niziolek, Glenda Messmore, ‘Smoke’ as well as Tom Cooper and Tom Wright from VFW Post 9226 for making a difference in the local community and especially to Ed Wicichowski.
Long may my Flag flutter with Eagles soaring in a free sky and may God Bless America and those who serve to protect us.
Terry Longpre
