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Carmichael Times

Grand Old Flag Gets Brand New Home

Sep 12, 2019 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Oakmont of Carmichael residents last week celebrated a new flagpole at the senior home. Congressman Ami Bera (back, center) presented a flag that had previously flown over the State Capital.

Grand Old Flag Gets Brand New Home [2 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Some patriots make huge efforts for their flag. A band of Carmichael brother and sister veterans lobbied for four years to get a flagpole so they could salute their nation’s emblem at Oakmont senior residence. The Greatest Generation's dogged determination paid off as the Stars and Stripes last week rose over their home. Above, a CHP helicopter hovered in tribute. Congressman Ami Bera presented a US flag that had recently flown above the U.S. Capitol. A bugle sounded and warriors of WW II, Korea and Vietnam theaters recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Engle Road facility counts 23 veterans – six of WW II vintage – among residents. One of its Vietnam survivors, “the General” Michael Crawford, retired as a two-star general with two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Flying Cross on his jacket.

Oakmont picked up the $5,200 tab for the new steel and aluminum staff.  “Original plans for this property included a flag pole,” explained WW II and Korea veteran Bill Davies. “For some reason it wasn’t put in. I’m from a five-generation military family; we always flew a flag at our home. The emblem means so much to people who have served under it.”

This unflagging campaigner and friends picked up the baton and eventually nudged Oakmont administration to erect the edifice. Davies shepherded it through the permitting process with visits to county hall, and was among the first to salute when the 25-ft pole rose in the residence courtyard. “We’re elated,” says the 91-year-old. “Old Glory’s flying 24/7 and we’ll honor it every chance we get. To the veterans who live here, it’s an emblem of everything we valued and fought for.”

Former Air Force Major Dwight Worden flew 200 combat missions in the Vietnam War. “It’s important for us to have this at our home,” he explained. “Our flag is an emblem of everything we valued and fought for...”