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Tiny flags at veterans memorial survive five long months

A Mason man and his daughter placed them as a reminder of military service.

Mason resident Chris Pearson and daughter Emily, 10, placed two small flags on Memorial Day at the Mason Veterans Memorial in Mason. The flags are still there and Pearson hopes they inspire others to show their patriotism.

Staff photo by Pat Auckerman Mason resident Chris Pearson and daughter Emily, 10, placed two small flags on Memorial Day at the Mason Veterans Memorial in Mason. The flags are still there and Pearson hopes they inspire others to show their patriotism.

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By Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer 9:57 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

More than five months later, the two tiny American flags are still there.

Embedded in a flower bed in front of the Mason Veterans Memorial on Mason-Montgomery Road, they were planted this past Memorial Day by Mason resident Chris Pearson and his 10-year-old daughter Emily.

A former U.S. Air Force officer and a veteran of Desert Storm, Pearson said he planted the flags in memory of those who have fought for the freedoms America enjoys.

He said he hopes residents will fill the area around the memorial with flags on Veterans Day to acknowledge those who have sacrificed for America.

“Wouldn’t it be really cool if everyone who thinks the same way I do and truly wants to honor our fighting men and women ... comes out and shows that in a special way?” he said. “What better a way than to plant a flag in front of one of the nicest veterans memorials in the area?”

Pearson said he tries to take advantage of every opportunity to display his patriotism.

“I think it’s an important value that all families and all community members should hold and internalize,” he said.

He is thrilled the mini-icons are still standing through winds, rain and landscaping. He is sure others have paid “a little extra special attention” to ensure they continue to fly.

Pearson said he and his family invariably blurt out a happy cry of “Our flags are still there!” every time they pass the memorial.

He tries to regularly remind his daughters, Emily and Nicole, of the importance of military service.

“I think it really helps you understand what’s meaningful and important,” Pearson said. “All these things that we have is because people are doing those types of things.”

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