Letter: New fabric, same glory

We live in a great senior retirement community. They have many activities, but one today in my mind tops them all.

In front of our facility is a flagpole, and I noticed some time ago that the flag was getting rather faded and tattered. I thought I was the only one that noticed it. But a week ago I was asked to lead some songs for a changing of the flag ceremony.

In all of my 80 years, I have only read about what should be done when that tattered old flag is put to rest. Few of us know the flag is removed from its pole and then burned. Not in public as some people are wont to do, but in private by an authorized organization such as the VFW.

What a thrill to walk out in front as the new flag, which had been flown over the United States Capitol, and see Old Glory paint the breeze anew. I was even more thrilled to see my friends and neighbors standing at attention. For some of us, the hardest part was to be able to stand at attention. We also had another problem of wiping tears from our eyes.

Rex Walker

Spokane Valley