Martin Luther King is a man who strived to do good in a non-violent way to change the way the majority thought and acted. Behavior over a long period of time had been ingrained in a large part of society. Many wanted a separate but equal society, in the 60’s and for years before and some years after, it was separate, but not equal. On Monday, January 18th we celebrated Dr. King’s birth. In the early eighties the Congress approve and President Reagan signed the Martin Luther King holiday. Which some have called “Human Rights Day.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. - photograph taken in 1964.

Was Dr. King perfect, no, he was as human as the next individual; we have learned that he made the same mistakes as others who have had power put into their hands. But even with his personal faults he became the symbol of a people and a generation that strived for equality in treatment and behavior of all the people of the world.

President John F. Kennedy meets with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King's signature.

As Theodore Roosevelt said, he was a man in the arena, and he did not shirk from what he knew was right. Dr. King suffered verbal and physical attacks to him, his family and his co-workers. (Read the “I have a dream” speech) He was the youngest man to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize; he worked with John Kennedy to move the rights of minorities forward, and in 1965 he stood over President Johnson as he signed the Voters Rights Act a measure that was one of his key accomplishments.

President Ronald Reagan signs Martin Luther King Holiday Bill.

Like all men who stand against the status quo, he paid the highest price with his life. In this upcoming week, remember those who have made a difference and fly the flag.

"Honululu Star-Bulletin" on December 7th 1941.

Route followed by the Japanese fleet to Pearl Harbor and back.

As the fleet laid at anchored in a clam harbor the process of daily life was coming about. On the deck of the USS Arizona the band was playing the National Anthem as sailors were raising the flag when the first bullets were fired and bombs & torpedo’s dropped. The first ship hit by a torpedo in the attack was the aging target ship, and once proud Battleship Utah. She was a veteran of the Mexican conflict and World War I and the first causality of World War II. The Utah was hit first because she was on the opposite side of Battleship Row were the real targets where anchored, but she was closest to the on coming planes. The Utah like the USS Oklahoma was hit in such a fashion that she quickly rolled over facing straight down at berth. Many crew-members never made it out of their ships to see the light of another day.

Map of Ships in Pearl Harbor.

When the USS Arizona blew up as an enemy bomb pierce her deck and landed in her magazine full of munitions, the force of the explosion took the ship right up out of the water and almost broke in two. Her causality numbers were great. The Attack did not last long, but its impact was devastating.

Attack on Pearl Harbor.

USS Pennsylvania, behind the wreckage of the USS Downes and USS Cassin.

In the days that followed airplane hangers, and open yards where lined with wooded coffins draped in the red, white and blue of our proud Flag. So many wives, mothers and husbands heard the words of a military officer as they handed them a neatly folded flag. On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful Nation, we present you this flag in honor of your son, daughter’s or husband’s service. Remember Pearl Harbor, and other phrases like remembering the Alamo, and Maine, and closer to our generation remember 9/11 should never be forgotten.

Be one of America’s proud defenders of liberty and freedom, fly the Flag!

The "tears of the Arizona" today - Photo by James G. Howes

An aerial view of the USS Arizona Memorial.

USS Utah in better times.

1. A structure, such as a building or sculpture, erected as a memorial.
2. An inscribed marker placed at a grave; a tombstone.
3. Something venerated for its enduring historic significance or association with a notable past person or thing: the architectural monuments of ancient Rome; traditions that are monuments to an earlier era.
4.a. An outstanding enduring achievement: a translation that is a monument of scholarship.
b. An exceptional example: “Thousands of them wrote texts, some of them monuments of dullness” (Robert L. Heilbroner).
5. An object, such as a post or stone, fixed in the ground so as to mark a boundary or position.

The ‘Hope Rising – To Lift A Nation’ monument fits many of these descriptions.  It is partially a memorial, a commemorative figure reminding us of those that willingly gave their lives for others on that fateful day of 9/11. It echoes the solemnity of a tomb as stands as a marker for the dead, a tribute to the fallen.  It aptly represents something of ‘enduring historic significance’ as it is a constant reminder of one of the events that shook the world forever.  As far as an ‘outstanding enduring achievement’ goes, what greater achievement is there than instilling hope in others at their darkest hour?

For me, this monument is a tangible means by which to commemorate the dead, remember the past and look forward to the future with hope.  In years to come my children will see it, and hopefully their children also, which encourages me that the lives lost and the lessons learn will not be forgotten.  Let us always remember the day we lost so many, but stood together…

This monumental display began on Wednesday September 7th with hundreds of local citizens helping post the 3000 flags. For many, the posting of the Stars and Stripes in Sandy has become a yearly tradition and reminder of the light that can rise from darkness.  Some even take their Christmas card pictures at the field as a tribute to the fallen and a symbol of their support for the emergency responders that do such important work.

Memorial ceremonies began on Saturday and finished on Sunday evening, The morning of the first day, crowds gathered early in anticipation of events and needless to say, no one was disappointed.  Over a thousand Harley Davidson bikers, led by a vintage fire engine and police motorcycle escort, paraded through the streets surrounding the Healing Field.  Parking amid a display of emergency vehicles and military equipment, they joined the assembled visitors in honoring the victims and watching the unveiling of a new monument dedicated to emergency responders.  The inspiring program was attended by three of Utah’s Congressional delegation, two general officers and even Miss Utah.  A Life Flight helicopter circled the field in a fitting salute to those lost.  The aircraft dipped in a respectful bow then disappeared out of sight.

Frank Layden, former basketball coach for the Utah Jazz, and long time resident of both Utah and the City of New York spoke to the assembled audience.  He shared stories of his time in the firehouses near Ground Zero and touched the hearts of all who listened, with tales of bravery and sacrifice.  He then introduced former Utah Jazz star Thurl Bailey, who graced the crowd with song as three thousand white balloons were released to the heavens.  One for each lost soul.

Next came the great reveal, and after some brief words from Paul Swenson—the event’s creator and organizer-  and sculptor Stan Watts, the statue was unveiled for all to see.  The sudden appearance of the magnificent “Hope Rising—To Lift A Nation “ monument caused tears to well in many an eye and provided a lasting reminder of what regular Americans can do to lift and inspire others.

On Sunday, ceremonies included the reading of victim names, not forgetting Utah’s fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan.  This ceremony attracted perhaps the largest group of Gold Star Mothers and families ever assembled in the Beehive State.  In keeping with the theme of the monument, Utah’s Fallen Frontline Responders were also included in the reading of names.

There were feelings of sadness as the field of flags was lovingly taken down on Wednesday the 14th, though some local citizens got to start there very own field by purchasing a flag and taking it home.  The grassy expanse looked bare and cold with out the familiar warmth of the Stars and Stripes to brighten it.  Every day thousands of visitors had walked through the ordered rows of flags in the Healing Field as they read the nametags of the victims honored.  Talking with Colonial Flag Foundation staff members, they all had a story to tell: where they were when they heard, who they had lost and who was saved.  Smiles, tears and hugs characterized the emotions shared.

I encourage anyone who has yet to enjoy the experience of walking through these rows of flags to get to a local field and do so.  Having a physical representation of each life that was lost will change you forever.  Bring your children and your children’s children.  If there is not a field near you then start one, the Colonial Flag Foundation can help.  We must always remember the loss that day.  Must honor them.  Must heal.  Let us never forget the day we lost so many… Yet stood together.

Being the tenth anniversary of the 9/11the Attacks, this year’s observance is especially significant.  Twenty-two Healing Field and Field of Honor flag displays will rise in fourteen states from Florida to Maine, from Massachusetts to Montana, from Idaho to Arizona & New Mexico.  Five Fields will be posted in New York State alone with one New York’s Battery Park located just blocks of Ground Zero.  In Sandy, Utah, at the site of the first Healing Field, three thousand U.S. flags will fly on the grassy promenade to the South of City Hall.  Check our website at the link http://www.healingfield.org/sandy-ut-2011/ for details.

Amid our own enthusiasm, the crew at Colonial Flag Foundation shares the palpable excitement reported by local host committees.  Shipments of thousands of flags arriving gather eager volunteers anxious to assemble flags and poles.  When all is ready, they post their flags painting grassy fields with red, white and blue.  Few expect the emotional impact bringing a sense of optimism and healing.  Walking among rows of ordered flags visitors recognize the extent of the loss while finding hope amid the tragedy.  A visit to any one of these massive flag displays reveals that the adjective “healing” describes reality.  The experience indeed brings a feeling of healing.

So it is with the attacks of September 11^th in 2001.   Watching in disbelief on that clear fall morning, we thought the scene of destruction and devastation would never fade.  Nevertheless, we saw the havoc of that day from a distance.  The twin towers collapsing in smoke and ruble, the burning gash in the walls of the Pentagon and the crater disfiguring the landscape near Shanksville in rural Pennsylvania were seen from afar.  Yet in the close-up, each scene of attack revealed fellow humans, countrymen, family, and friends.  The United States flag admonishes us, “Remember 9/11!”  Yet, how can we focus in on the person?  Three thousand died that day, victims of a band of terrorists; three thousand individuals, each one a separate life.  Each life lost affecting a circle of family, friends and associates.

A decade ago John Michelotti pondered how to focus on the individual.  He envisioned a flag patterned on the Stars and Stripes, but a flag where red and white stripes would be fashioned using the names of 9/11’s victims.  From Michelotti’s vision sprang two flags, “The Flag of Honor” and the “Flag of Heroes.”  At a distance the stripes appeared muted as if seen through the tears of those left behind.    Drawing closer the viewer sees the focus sharpen to reveal names, the names of individual who died that day.  The “Flag of Honor” includes the names of all who perished in the attacks.  The “Flag of Heroes” discloses the names, rank and affiliations of the first responders who, in rushing to save others, sacrificed their own lives.  Below the stripes on each flag appears the flag’s name with a short explanation.  Over the ten years since 2001 “The Flag of Honor” and “The Flag of Heroes” have honored three thousand, not a mass of humanity, but rather as individuals whose lives touched all those around them.   Drawing close to the flags, names can be recognized, read and vocalized.  Individual lives remembered.

Michelotti created the flags:

• To immortalize the individual victims who were killed in the terrorist attacks.
• To give comfort to families left behind knowing that their loved one will be honored and remembered.
• To create an enduring symbol of the human sacrifice that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Now, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the two flags and to remember those honored by the flags, the “10^th Anniversary Editions” are available.  Each flag is identified by a special 10^th Anniversary Logo.  For some a collector’s item, for all a tangible reminder of lives lost.  For everyone the two flags are a reminder so we will never forget attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and flight 93. Most important, however, this is not about attacks on buildings, land and airplanes; the tragedy and sacrifice embodied individuals who will not be forgotten.

Profits from the sales of these two flags have been committed to a list of charities.  The Colonial Flag Foundation which originated and coordinates Healing Field and Field of Honor flag display programs is proud to be listed with the benefited organizations.  We join with the Flag of Honor and Flag of Heroes Project in committing that we will remember the three thousand killed in the terrorist attacks.

The “BigM Weekend” is Utah’s new Memorial Day tradition.  Kick off the summer with three days of motorcycle racing, music and military tributes at Miller Motorsports Park.  Also, there will be a powerful Military Tribute Field of Honor Flag Display sponsored by the Colonial Flag Foundation and Healing Field.

The BigM Weekend includes world class racing from the FIM Superbike World Championship USA Round and AMA Pro Road Racing and the Larry H Miller AMA SuperSport Challenge, plus concerts by country music stars Dierks Bentley & Sawyer Brown on Saturday and Creedence Clearwater Revisited & Blue Oyster Cult on Sunday.

Discounted tickets are available for partners & friends of Colonial Flag by visiting www.bigmweekend.com/promo, selecting your desired tickets & then entering the promo code: RW8024

Come join us at Miller Motorsports Park for a great, exciting & Big M Weekend, a new Memorial Day tradition!

The terrorist attacks of September Eleventh in 2001 had a horrifying impact on us as a nation and as individuals.  Rotarian, Paul Swenson, saw the “sheer enormity” of the human loss evidenced by the rubble, carnage and confusion at ground zero.  The horror and despair of that scene brought no comfort.  Paul wanted to acknowledge the enormity of the sacrifice with a positive image that would also offer hope and comfort: a display that would offer healing.  As the President of Colonial Flag Company, he recognized the simple yet emotional power of the United States flag.  He had seen the comfort in the eyes of a Gold Star Mother upon the receipt of a flag presented “on behalf of a grateful nation.”  The folded flag which had so recently draped the casket reminded family that the fallen warrior was part of a cause greater than self, that we all are indeed part of that same cause, something greater than self.  Paul knew from so many similar experiences the healing power that can be found in the simple display of the flag.

Paul envisioned a display of three thousand flags, a Healing Field, to honor those who died on the altar of freedom on 9-11.  Not a pile of rubble bleak against a gray smoke streaked  sky but ordered lines of flags posted on a grassy field, fluttering in the breeze against a blue sky.  The enormity of the event symbolized with a positive and beautiful image.

This was certainly a big idea.  Many people have big ideas that never come into fulfillment.  However, that would not be the case with Paul Swenson and his vision of a Healing Field.  He set out to make his vision a reality.  The vision took planning, coordination and determination.  In the effort, Paul discovered a host of problems that required solution.  He encountered doubters and naysayers who did not share the vision that Paul saw so clearly.

Paul found an appropriate grassy field adjacent to the city hall in Sandy, Utah.  The quadrangle seemed to have been planned for the very purpose, and city officials were excited in their support. 

On the first anniversary of the attack, the first Healing Field display rose in Sandy.  On a field roughly the same size as the footprint of the destroyed World Trade Center, volunteers posted three thousand United States flags.  A graceful and solemn tribute to lives lost when terrorists attacked us on a clear autumn day.  Tens of thousands walked amidst red, white and blue flags displayed in ordered lines and fluttering in the wind to remind all of the enormity of loss while bringing a feeling of comfort and healing.  In the display visitors could also experienced resolve in meeting the challenge terrorists brought to our shores.

Each year since, Sandy has hosted a Healing Field display.  Additionally, Healing Field and Field of Honor flag displays have spread throughout the nation making it possible for countless thousands to share in the positive experience. Rotary has been a strong partner in hosting Healing Field flag displays around the country.

 Understandably, such a program requires financial support.  Even with volunteers, flags and pole are not without cost.  How could the displayed flags be presented free to the public while yet covering the costs of the fields?  In order to do this, Paul Swenson, through the Colonial Flag Foundation, created a program that would not only support itself but would also raise money for charities.  Veterans’ programs, civic organizations, schools, and numerous charitable programs have benefited from funds raised as individuals and businesses sponsored flags.

This September will mark the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  The unity and resolve we felt as a nation has unfortunately dimmed with time.  Many of our youth are too young to remember the horrific events of that day.  Healing Field® displays remind and teach while replacing scenes of despair with vistas of hope.  It all started with the vision of Rotarian Paul Swenson.  A vision turned to reality.  A reality spreading hope and healing as we remember the day we lost so many, and stood together.

According to the tradition, Saint George slew the dragon and saved the fair princess.  He is normally shown as a knight in armor astride his charger with the tip of his lance mortally wounding the fierce dragon.  George’s valiant deed freed the bound princess chained as a sacrifice to the fire-breathing fiend.  This heroism made the saint a favorite in medieval Europe.  George is, therefore, not only the patron saint of the English, but also patron for many other nations, cities, and regions.  Traveling through Europe, you are as likely to see George slaying the dragon in Bavaria as in London.

Why a white flag with a red cross?  According to legend, Saint George carried the white shield of purity and when the dragon was slain, he dipped his sword in the monster’s blood and traced a red cross on his white shield.  The charge thus shown on his shield thence became his flag.

Carried as a flag into battle, Saint George’s cross was also worn by English soldiers, front and back, as a mark of identification.

When in 1348 King Edward III founded the Most Noble Order of the Garter, he dedicated it to England’s patron saint.  Today the oldest and most prestigious order of English chivalry, the Order of the Garter displays Saint George and his cross on the order’s regalia.    A white shield with the cross of Saint George surrounded by a blue garter bearing the motto Honi· Soit· Qui ·Mal ·Y ·Pense makes up the order’s coat of arms.  Why a garter?  By legend, the King Edward III was dancing with Joan of Kent, his daughter- in-law, when her garter fell to the floor.  The king gallantly retrieved it for the lady, but was offended when some of the courtiers started to laugh.  He replied with the French motto which translates roughly as “Evil to him who evil thinks.”

On Saint George’s Day, only the Knights and Dames of the Order need to worry about the Garter.  For others to celebrate, simply fly Saint George’s flag of England.  Some Brits today frown on flying the flag as they feel it doesn’t represent England’s multi-cultural population.  Perhaps not, but it is pure English history.  “Evil to him who evil thinks!”

It is nothing unusual at Colonial Flag to have missionaries or family members purchase the flags of mission areas.  Nevertheless, flags have special meaning flags that can be heightened by events.  The recent disasters in Japan have strengthened the bonds between returning Japanese missionaries and the people, that through service, they had grown to love.  Family members, anxious for the safe return of their missionary sons and daughters also feel kinship and concern for the people still suffering in a land far across the world from Utah.  Feelings hard to communicate in words can sometimes be expressed symbolically, sometimes with flags.  This has led some stories worth retelling.

To convey feelings of sorrow for the suffering of the people of Japan, Colonial Flag Company displayed six Japanese flags at half staff in front of the Colonial showroom in Sandy, Utah.

On Wednesday, a woman came into the store seeking Japanese flags.  Her son, who had been serving in the Japan Sandai Mission, would be returning on Friday.  She wanted to welcome him and his companions with a throng of friends and family members all waving Japanese flags.  When there were not enough flags on the selves to fill her order, two flags were retrieved from the poles in front of the store.  Colonial’s employee, who filled the order, also had a son returning from a mission in Korea on Friday.  As luck would have it, her son and the returning Japanese missionaries arrived on the same plane.  To those who saw the sea of waving Japanese flag at the airport, it was a moving scene.  However, for our employee it had added meaning.  She had the satisfaction of helping a mother make that symbolic gesture on the safe return of her son.

On the next day, Saturday, it was after store hours.  The tills were closed.  Just as the front door was being locked a car pulled up and a woman jumped from the car pleading to buy a Japanese flag.  Obviously feeling strong emotion, the woman explained that she had just spoken to her son who had been serving in the earthquake ravaged area.  He and others had been transferred to Nagano.  Knowing her son was safe, she wanted to express her felling by displaying the Japanese flag.  Paul Swenson, Colonial’s owner, personally sold her two flags making change out of his own wallet since the cash registers were closed.  He even shaved a little bit of the price to make it all work.  It may seem only a little thing, but the woman had tears in her eyes as she thanked him.

It is hard to explain what a flag means.  Sometimes it is easier to see it.  Always, we at Colonial Flag are proud and happy to be a part in the display of flags.   It has meaning to us also.