Long flag tradition in The Dalles

The scouts placed the flags at 6 a.m. and took them down in the evening. Businesses originally purchased their own flag and pole and the scouts stored, maintained and placed the flags for a yearly donation. It later included Troop 357 and evolved into flags all up and down the streets and letters sent to businesses for donations.

Like clockwork for 60 years, the flags have gone out and come down. There were a few times that it rained so the flags did not appear, and the public noticed with letters to the editor. It has become something that we, as a community, count on without really knowing who is responsible.

Over the years there have been countless supporters including adult volunteer scout leaders, hundreds of scouts, their supportive parents and local businesses. Local orchardist and businessman Gary Honald has been a big supporter, facilitating the donation of 50 flags and even taking one loop of the route himself.

This fall, the baton was passed. Due to changes in fundraising policies for LDS Troops 352 and 357, the fundraiser has been passed to Troop 398, chartered by the Catholic Church with Anthony Pereira as scoutmaster.

On Nov. 11, the flags will still appear and wave in the ever present gorge wind, inspiring us all with home town patriotism. When you see them, be generous with your financial support to those young men arising early to show their pride in our community and their commitment to their country.

Donation letters will be sent to local businesses, but personal donations are always welcome. In scouting, they use terms like “Do a good turn daily” and “On my honor I will do my duty.” When we see these flags, we can feel good about the kinds of young men that are growing up in The Dalles.