Bigger than a flag: Honor and remembrance woven into local landmark

While driving the winding highway that carves its way through dense forests, hills, and cliffs along the Columbia River to Cathlamet the natural beauty of Southwest Washington is evident everywhere you look. Eagles and herons, salmon, ships, and seals, whitetail deer, and waterfalls all punctuate this passage of roadway, the historic Lewis and Clark Trail known as State Route 4, which is, for these reasons and more, a designated state scenic byway.

But there are hidden hazards in the beauty of this landscape, from falling trees to the large rocks occasionally tumbling onto the roadway. If you need help or find yourself stuck somewhere on the 25-mile stretch from Longview to Cathlamet, some regular commuters have memorized each mile marker; others rely on less formal, more descriptive navigational points, such as pull-offs and lookouts, passing lanes, and various prominent yard features, political signs, or other known indicators along the way. For a few days near the end of every August, a familiar symbol appears on the latter list, one that is universally known to all those who travel this road, be it their first time or merely the first time for that day: An enormous American flag.

The flag, tucked into a driveway between mileposts 43 and 42, is posted in honor of the dozens of Veterans and Gold-Star Families who come to Cathlamet via this route, invited to participate in the two-day Warriors and Widows Salmon Derby. But before they reach the Marina, where devoted and eager volunteers greet them with all the hospitality, that can be crammed into 48 hours, they are first greeted by the flag, along with a sign "Welcome Widows and Warriors." Hoisted by East Cathlamet residents Lemmie and Wanda Rockford. The massive flag is 5 times the standard size typically flown at homes and businesses, a striking 25 x 15 feet, vertically affixed to a crane 50 feet tall. The flag may be impressive in size, but its impact on those who drive past has proven to be immeasurable.

In 2015, for the inaugural event, the Rockford's were asked if they would be willing to post a welcome sign for Warriors and Widows. Without hesitation, they agreed and decided to honor attendees by also hanging the flag. That first year, as Lemmie carefully unfurled the flag, ensuring it never touched the ground, a vehicle stopped and parked suddenly; a young man emerged and strode intently towards the Rockford's. He introduced himself as a Marine and insisted on helping Lemmie hang the flag. "I want to help," said the Marine, as his eyes shamelessly flooded with tears, "And I want to tell you how seeing the flag like this, how very important it is to me." Together, the two veterans who served our country some 60 years apart raised the flag. "The flag, like this," as the Marine referenced, wasn't about the size but rather the direction. When an exceptionally large American flag is hung vertically from a fire engine ladder or a crane, it's frequently referred to as a Garrison flag. Hanging the flag vertically doesn't strictly have a special meaning, it's an approved display according to US flag etiquette and merely a variation on the standard direction typically observed on flagpoles. However, in times of loss, the Garrison flag has a specific purpose: to honor the sacrifice of the person who has given their life in service to their country or community, and their family. These memorial ceremonies are steeped with historical tradition, and the Garrison flag is no exception. It serves as a sacred symbol of respect reserved for the fallen and their family, who are the only ones permitted to pass underneath it. Regardless of rank or role, all others are diverted, usually standing in formation and holding salutes. Anyone who has been part of such a memorial will tell you, this is what seeing the Garrison flag means to them: It is more than just a display of patriotism, it is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf.

Every year since, the flag has been raised and has remained flying before and following the Warriors and Widows event. "That flag, it's a gesture… A small interest payment on the enormous debt we owe the men and women who stand up to serve" explained Lemmie Rockford. The Rockford's gesture continues to inspire and instill patriotism and gratitude and is especially poignant at night, when spotlights illuminate the stars and stripes. Countless people honk as they drive by, others pull over, some take pictures. This week, on a local photography page, a photograph taken this year had over 200 comments and likes, supporting the flag and expressing endearment for its annual appearance. The Rockford's plan to continue putting the flag up for years to come. "Our servicemen and women, they come home after these tours and time in combat, and well, after a while, it seems like no one remembers," said Lemmie. "We do," added Wanda, who grew up in a military family, "And so do others in our community, and this is a way we can show them that."

What the Rockford's didn't know is the impact that the flag would have on the general public. Gold Star spouse Kamber Good, who lost her husband Sgt. John T. Good, due to chemical exposure during his deployment to Iraq, was a participant in the Widows and Warriors event two years ago, along with her children. "I didn't know what to expect from this event, but as we drove toward town and came around the corner and saw that flag, it truly set the tone for our entire experience. I was stunned, in a good way”. Kamber Good noted the significance of the Garrison flag. "To see the flag like that? It's rare. For anyone who has ridden in a vehicle or an airplane on an Honor Flight and passed under the flag, accompanying their fallen hero, seeing the flag displayed that way holds a whole other, incredibly honoring meaning."

Many veterans participating in this year's Derby also commented on the flag and how much it meant to see it displayed. "Just an awesome sight," said Army Veteran Skylar McCollaum. "Seeing that flag was an incredible, welcoming start to the event. "I was impressed… Everyone seemed to be genuinely invested in showing appreciation and support to veterans and their families." Another veteran, who preferred to be anonymous, shared, "To me, it stood out as a way of showing remembrance," he continued, "That they remembered us and what we've been through, but that they remembered our friends and all the rest who didn't get to come back home." Good, herself a veteran who works with fellow Gold-Star families, echoed this sentiment, "As families who've lost someone, it's easy to feel forgotten. There's a lot of attention at the beginning, photos, and news, but it fades away, and we are left with our grief and without our person. Here, in Cathlamet at the Salmon Derby? Everyone involved clearly went out of their way to recognize us and make us feel special. From the flag to fishing, it was as if everyone hugged us and said, "We remember." May we never forget.

Note: Leslie Montgomery has served as a Law Enforcement Chaplain and worked alongside first responders since 2012 and has worked in grief support roles with the surviving family members of fallen officers and military personnel.