I agree with the “coffee klatch crew” that wants to erect a flagpole in downtown Grand Marais in memory of Dick Joynes. I think that would be a wonderful way to remember a man who was a friend to so many.
The recent discussion of where a memorial flag could be placed in downtown Grand Marais has me thinking of all the scenic spots I’ve visited with flags flying. I have never seen an American flag in a place that I felt was unattractive or inappropriate. A flag unfurling in the wind is one of the most beautiful sights I can imagine.
I can’t believe that the Minnesota Land Trust conservation easement for Harbor Park in downtown Grand Marais would restrict placement of a flagpole on the waterfront. On the Land Trust website a paragraph explains the purpose of the conservation easement in downtown Grand Marais: The undeveloped, natural character along Sweetheart’s Bluff and the scenic harbor and marina have been protected both to protect the significant wildlife habitat and to maintain the small, quaint setting that the lakeshore provides that entices tourists, artists, and photographers to visit this city each year.
I don’t know about other tourists, but I have a number of photographs of flags in my memorabilia. A flag at Harbor Park would not take away from the beauty of the harbor, it would enhance it.
However, I also wonder how flag etiquette will be observed if the flag is erected at Harbor Park. An American flag left flying at night must be lit— does that mean a light would need to be installed at Harbor Park? That could distract from the enjoyment of the night sky on the waterfront.
So perhaps Harbor Park is not the best location. Compass Park, as the Grand Marais park department refers to the circular section of sidewalk between Highway 61 and the old stone wall, may be a good spot. Lighting there would be more appropriate, as there are streetlights along the highway already.
A friend suggested that the city place a flagpole on the little triangle of grass next to the “Welcome to Grand Marais” sign by Java Moose. Thatisn’t a bad idea either. It would wave overhead to welcome traffic driving into Grand Marais from the west or cruising into the harbor. Lighting also should not be difficult in that location.
What would really be wonderful is to have someone raise and lower the flag every day. I know that would be virtually impossible for the busy city work crews. But it is a stirring sight to watch our flag being raised and lowered.
It is a daily ritual on military bases all around the world. In the early morning hours, a special detail heads to the post or base flagpole and to the sound of Reveille raises the American flag to start the day. At 5:00 p.m., the detail returns to lower the flag, this time to the solemn sound of Taps. Everyone in the vicinity of the flag stopped for the ceremony. Cars stopped and soldiers stepped out of their vehicles to show respect. Little kids on bicycles followed their parent’s example and paused for a moment to watch the flag. For a few brief moments every day, we were a community united under the flag.
At several of the bases where we lived during my husband Chuck’s military career, the flag ceremony was accompanied by the firing of a cannon—something I’m sure the Minnesota Land Trust would frown upon.
I hope the city can find an appropriate place to erect a flagpole in downtown Grand Marais. It would be a fitting way to remember an old friend. And perhaps it could be a symbol of unity for the people of our community.
Intellectually I know that America
is no better than any other country;
emotionally I know she is better than
every other country.
Sinclair Lewis
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