Local Legionnaires take pride in our flag

Atlanta is a flag city. So numerous are the streaming American flags along city streets that residents are accustomed to them.

When asked, citizens can’t suggest another town in Northeast Texas which appears to have such an abundance of flags. More than 100 are placed about town, thanks to the Atlanta City Development Corporation which buys them and the J. E. Manning American Legion Post 258 whose members place and care for them throughout the year.

This means that when one tears or becomes too grimy a passing Legionnaire who keeps scissors and a spare flag in his automobile — as many do — will get out and change that.

One well-known but modest veteran who wouldn’t want the attention is known for going un asked into a yard in which a flag is being flown improperly and taking that flag down and replacing it.

“He’s a Marine. He just does it,” said this veteran’s friend. Others take care of the flags, too. One veteran tells, “We’ve known of some youth who receive community service credit by being assigned to go and make certain every flag is unfurled properly and hanging free in its breeze.”

Some flags get stolen. They’re immediately replaced. The flags are changed by the Legionnaires every six months. That leaves the post with a number of flags on hand in pretty good condition.

A legionnaire explains, “We give away ones to people who ask and have a need. If asked, we’ll even put the flag up,” said a post leader. He said he considers the American flag special because it symbolizes freedom.

“It’s who we are. It represents us, our nation,” he said. “It’s what brings tears when displayed along with the National Anthem.”

No one takes credit for being part of the post’s flag detail. The legionnaires just put up the flags. It’s likely one of the most satisfying activities a local civil organization undertakes.