Flags

Kurt Messier keeps an eye on several flags around the City of Jasper.

He handles maintenance for many of the city’s facilities, and changing out tattered flags is part of the job.

He was replacing the city flag this morning in front of City Hall. It’s more expensive than American Flags because it isn’t mass-produced.

But the American flags are what cause the veterans to reach out. Flag code requires them to be removed and disposed of properly when they become frayed or threadbare.

“They are sure to tell me,” Kurt says about the veterans.

But it’s okay. Though he didn’t serve in the military, his father, Tom Messier, did. A U.S. Marine for 25 years and a drill instructor for some meant Kurt grew up in a uniform home. “I knew when I screwed up,” he admits.

He keeps a pretty close eye on the five American flags the city has –the one at City Hall, one at the city entrance on Third Avenue and Mill Street, the train depot, the city cemetery, and the Sixth Street Fire Station — as well as the flags at Enlow Cemetery since it is supported by American Legion Post 147 where his wife, Sherri, is president of the auxiliary.

“That one’s already starting to fray,” Kurt says, looking up at the flag flying in front of City Hall.

They seem to wear out quickly. He estimates they go through about 50 American flags a year. Sometimes he takes them home so Sherri can repair them.

“Saves the city some money,” Kurt says.

It’s important to him as he serves the city and the veterans who look at the flag with a different eye.

One who understands why flag etiquette is important.

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