Local VFW and American Legion members dedicated an indoor flagpole Friday at the Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center.
The pole rises from the sandy floor of the lower level, near a restored P-38 Lightning plane. A 48-star flag, similar to the one Maj. Dick Bong fought under, flies from the pole most days.
On blustery Fridays, it also will serve as the gathering place for the Flags of Honor program. The program honors deceased veterans from all eras with weekly flag raisings outside the Bong Heritage Center. For five years, members of the American Legion and VFW have gone out in all weather to remember these men and women.
Gayle Carlson, commander of the VFW post, said it was important to local veterans that the flag be raised regardless of the weather. Members of the American Legion and VFW banded together to purchase the pole. It was planted about two weeks ago.
For more information on the Flags of Honor program, call Daniel Knight at (715) 392-4558 or the Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center at (715) 392-7151.
