Community Rallies To Maintain Route 100 Flag

Posted

By Sharon Mager

The flag along Route 100 East toward Gibson Island waves proudly in the wind, a symbol of pride and heritage; and in Pasadena, it’s also a symbol of community. Samuel Kemp, a 91-year-old World War II Army veteran who was at the Battle of the Bulge, generously donated the flag and flagpole on July 4, 1993, as a memorial to all veterans the one in front of Cedar Hill Florist, on Ritchie Highway. Kemp founded the florist shop in 1945.

“He is a very generous man when it comes to patriotism,” friend and 40-year employee Marty said. “Kemp has a special place in his heart for veterans,” Marty added.

Community groups, local businesses, and individuals, almost invisibly, have stepped up through the years to care for the site.

Frank Halgas, a member of the Greater Pasadena Council, worked tirelessly for 17 years, until his death last year, ensuring the flag was cared for. He worked with local businesses and community groups to solicit donations and assistance. Irv Groat, President of Micro Lambada, Halgas’ former employer, and Melody Fairgrieve, a coworker with Halgas, vowed to continue the efforts.

“Frank was committed to making sure the flag was taken care of,” Lisa Hart of the Pasadena Business Association said. “The family asked for donations for the flag fund instead of flowers,” she added.

Boy Scout and Cub Scout Packs 773 are very active in maintaining the flag site. They’re led by Dotti Snyder, training coordinator and former Cub pack master.

“Our boys are willing to do the work. It’s a great service project for them. We clean and weed the area twice a year, trim bushes, and plant ornamental grasses,” Snyder, the Himmels general manager, explained. This year the boys are preparing to do additional work, replacing nursery stock and replacing timbers and brick. Snyder said they hope to complete the project by Veterans Day. Himmels Farm & Garden Center donates mulch, shrubs, and flowers.

J.B. Machine/Up and Out Boat lifts has provided necessary repairs free of charge. When the flagpole had a crack in the base, J.B. Machine reinforced the area.

Mike Jacobs, president of Pasadena Business Association, is working with the Greater Pasadena Council, to oversee the flag project. Jacobs wants to increase awareness about the flag’s history and recognize those who have been volunteering their time and resources. “There are a lot of hands there helping, and we want to bring some recognition to those people and a ceremonial event as well,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs is planning two ceremonies each year, on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, with a ceremonial flag raising and lowering. He wants to include community groups such as veterans, local school ensembles, Boy Scouts, and others who want to be involved.

Jacobs has been busy contacting community leaders and groups to raise support for the effort. “Response has been great,” Jacobs said. “People want to support this effort. The community is patriotic.”

Lisa Hart said volunteers are greatly appreciated, but funds are also needed. There are two flags, one for the warm weather, and a smaller one for the cooler months. “Flags are expensive,” she said, and there will be repair needs. Those who would like to give to the flag fund may send donations to: Greater Pasadena Council, attn.: Joe Foran, P.O. box 1111, Pasadena, MD 21123-1111.

And Samuel Kemp? He and his 89-year-old wife, Gladys (a war bride from England), still show up every day at the florist shop he opened in 1945. For them, it’s the American way; they’ve travelled throughout the United States - it’s the country they love.

Kemp wrote the inscription on the memorial on each of the three monuments:

SO THAT WE WILL NOT FORGET

With God’s blessing we dedicate this emblem of liberty to the men and women of this community who served and those who gave their all so that we their children and our children’s children can live in freedom, peace and harmony with our fellow men under the laws and protection of this great land.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Give not one inch of our sacred land to the enemies of freedom, but give all of our life precious blood if need be to preserve it.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here