The Flags Of Honor

Sidney is home to a unique program called “The Flags of Honor” which originated in 1965. This program originally began as a community effort with members of 13 civic organizations who made the decision to ask members of the community to donate any casket flags from deceased veterans. The organizers were able to obtain 83 flags for the first Memorial Day parade in 1966. Materials and labor were donated to make bins for the flags, agate name plates, flag poles, and people willing to be caretakers of the flags. On Memorial Day the flags were displayed in the original Nutter Park located on 4th Street SE and a grand parade through Sidney included members of the community carrying the flags. Veterans’ Day was also the sight of the parade of casket flags. During the remainder of the year the flags were stored in the basement of City Hall until 1989.

The original organizers of the Flags of Honor had dwindled in number and the number of flags became too numerous for the original caretakers, the World War 1 Ladies Auxiliary. In 1975, the remaining ladies approached the Ladies Auxiliary VFW to assume the job of caretakers for the 200 flags. It soon became apparent that the job was more efficient with only a couple people. The storage area in the basement of City Hall was being overcrowded and had problems with humidity.

In the mid 80s efforts began to find a new home for the “Flags of Honor” and several years later it became a reality. The entire facility is located in what was called Central Park, now Veterans’ Park, and consists of public bathrooms, a stage area, a concessions area, and a storage room for the City. This was completed with the help of several different organizations. Community members were asked for financial and labor donations to make the existing Flag Room area a reality. Glen and Leona Vanderhoof and Violet Tharp spent many hours planning and painting the room, moving the flags, and making new name plates for the flags. The City of Sidney assisted in installing the cabinets. The first program at the new facility was in 1989 with 289 flags and enough cabinets to house them until more funds were raised.

The Flags of Honor room is humidity controlled and is home to 611 flags behind glass doors. Once a year the flags are rearranged in alphabetical order. With the death of Leona Vanderhoof in 2009, the current caretakers are Violet Tharp and Margaret Bradley. Because of the number or flags, approximately 130 flags are displayed in Veteran’s Park on Memorial Day. Various organizations have made it possible for new benches in front of the stage area, sidewalks, and a new statue of former Governor Donald Nutter, a Sidney native.

Sidney is very proud to fly a representation of these flags beginning at 6:00 on Memorial Day and take them down about 4:00 that evening. Flags scheduled for display are “Carl Dynneson” through “Gene Fulkerson”. Flags not flown can be checked out and carried folded or on a pole for the parade and refolded after the parade. Anyone wishing to carry a flag can carry the flown flags, but must leave the name plate on the pole and return the flag to the pole after the parade.

The parade begins at the VFW Club at 10:00 and ends at the pavilion stage. Those who watch the parade of flags are reminded that they should SALUTE or HEART SALUTE the first flags, then stand at attention for the rest of the parade.

Anyone wishing to donate a flag to the program should take it to City Hall. This program is maintained by donations.