BEMIDJI 鈥� A unique display of patriotism took place on Aug. 23 as 11 American and military flags were simultaneously raised in Bemidji.
Gene and Gloria Schwantes organized the permanent recognition of veterans鈥� service on their property just south of Lake Irving with 25 volunteers conducting the flag-raising.
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Gene and his fellow veterans discussed the need for a visible display in addition to the Veterans Memorial outside the Beltrami County History Center on the edge of downtown Bemidji.
The group agreed that the public may not see the memorial whereas the 11 flags are more visible approaching or leaving Bemidji on U.S. Highway 2 at mile marker 115.
Richard Bessler of Bessler Electric drilled the holes needed for placing the flag poles and Paul Schumer provided the concrete and labor to secure the base structures with assistance from Josh Dukek and Luke Fawne. The flags were purchased and donated by the Schwantes, Roger Hagman and Dean Kvalevog.
During the ceremony, Purple Heart recipient Any Staudt and former prisoner of war Gary Guggenberger raised the central American flag with the other U.S. flags raised by the Schwantes, Richard Bessler, Roger Hagman, Paul Schumer, Josh Dukek, Jim Haffner and Roger Jarvi.
Jack Young and Darrel Baltzell raised the U.S. Army flag while Jack McNamara and Jim Morgan raised the U.S. Navy flag. The U.S. Marines flag was raised by Bruce Tiegen and Garret Seitz. The U.S. Air Force flag was raised by Jeri Harvey and John Naastad, while Taylor Kisute and Alexander Keton raised the Coast Guard flag. Alexi Seitz and Trance 歪歪漫画er raised the POW/MIA flag.
The Schwantes plan to add to the display with benches and a statuary in the future.
