Homestead residents of Chisago City celebrate flag, patriotism June 14

Each spring, senior residents of the Homestead Cooperative of Chisago Lakes, in Chisago City, check the condition of the stars and stripes on the United States flag that they proudly display on a pole in front of their lobby. By the end of the last, lingering winter, they decided that their old flag was weathered enough and due for replacement, and the neighbors planned an event for Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate renewal.

“The flag is our symbol to remember that we are very, very fortunate,” resident Virgi Johnson said in opening their ceremony. “Each of us has been raised to be proud and honor our flag.” Al Kargel stepped in front of his neighbors to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Retired music teachers Richard and Alice Bloom led the singing of “You’re a Grand, Old Flag” and “God Bless America.” Barb Marek wrote and recited a special poem for the day, and several men lowered and folded the faded flag before unveiling and raising their new one for 2013. Kargel was going to dispose pf the old flag with American Legion Post 272, which uses the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake, for a flag retirement event June 15.