Lions Help Old Glory Wave Club Flies Flags On Federal Holidays At Supportive Businesses

Thu., June 8, 2000

By Carlos Acevedo carlosa@spokesman.com

This Wednesday, which is Flag Day, many South Hill businesses will be flying the American flag proudly, thanks to the Spokane South East Lions Club.

For $45 a year, Lincoln Heights and Manito area businesses can subscribe to the club’s flag-raising service. On each federal holiday, such as Memorial Day, Lions members will raise the flag at 6 a.m. and lower it at 7 p.m.

The owner doesn’t have to do a thing. Even the flag is provided.

The 35-member civic club has been hoisting flags on the South Hill for the past 10 years. Currently 75 businesses participate.

“We think it’s a good thing to fly the American flag,” said Bob Miller, owner of Miller’s Trustworthy Hardware, 2908 E. 29th. He said he has taken advantage of the service since it started, and the Lions have never missed a day.

He flies the flag every day, he said, but defers to the Lions on holidays because they can fly the flag higher at his store than he can - they have special brackets mounted high on his building - but more importantly, to contribute to the philanthropic organization.

“They do a lot of good deeds for the community,” he said. “We have to support them to keep them going.”

The Southeast Lions Club uses the money to support several causes. Helping to conserve people’s vision is the group’s primary goal, and among other things it buys glasses for people who can’t afford them.

The Lions also support the Blind Bowling League, Second Harvest Food Bank, East Side Community Center, COPS Southeast, and myriad other agencies.

“We’re doing everything all the time,” said Lions member Dick Holling, who introduced the idea of making money by raising flags for businesses. “We take an active interest in the community.”

For more information, or to subscribe to the service, call Holling at 624-8656.

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