Veterans on the Lake Resort commemorated Flag Day with a dedication ceremony for the resort’s new Avenue of Service Flags display.
When entering the property, visitors will now notice eight newly-raised flags representing the six branches of the United States Armed Forces, as well as the American and POW/MIA flags.
“This Avenue of Service Flags is what happens when a group of veterans sees a need to honor veterans and service members,” said Navy Master Chief Gene Jarnagin. “It made no difference what branch you served in, what organization you were a member of. We all gathered to accomplish one goal.”
The display also features the work of Hibbing artist Diane Lorenz, who donated a bald eagle wood carving.
“I have no words that can describe how proud I am to draw your attention to this seven foot lifted-wing American eagle. This eagle was designed, carved, painted, sealed in appropriate colors, and donated to Veterans on the Lake Resort to be displayed in this Avenue of Service Flags,” Jarnagin said.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the American flag, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a brief prayer to honor departed service members.
Veterans then lifted flags for each service branch in order of historical precedence: the US Army emblem followed by flags for the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. At each flag’s raising, Jarnagin presented a brief overview of the emblem’s significance.
“Individuals standing by and ready to raise the service flag are all veterans,” Jarnagin said. “Not only did they serve in the armed forces, but some have volunteered their time and effort to make this project happen.” Active and retired service members were invited to stand and receive recognition while their branch’s flag received honor.
The program concluded after the last flag was lifted, the POW-MIA flag to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. This flag’s raising was accompanied by an honor guard salute.
“Thank you for moving forward with this project,” said resort representative Eric Mayranen.
“We can get all the funding in the world, but if you don’t have anybody to do the labor, it really doesn’t make much difference,” Mayranen said. “This is quite the accomplishment.”
The tribute represents a collaboration between the Fleet Reserve Association, VFW, Veterans of Steel and the American Legion which evolved over more than a year of fundraising, designing and building the display.
“It adds quite a bit to the resort as we constantly make improvements, try and remove barriers so everybody can enjoy the outdoors,” Mayranen said. “This is the icing on the cake.”
