Bob Fitzgerald (fourth from left) leads veterans in the Pledge of Allegiance during the recent flagpole dedication.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The Stars and Stripes flies proudly on a new flagpole above the Carmichael Veterans Memorial Building at Carmichael Park.

Absent for about 20 years, Old Glory’s iconic presence was restored on the eve of Veterans Day. More than 50 supporters saluted, sang the National Anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance as the nation’s symbol unfurled. A black POW/MIA flag was raised with it.

“While I was running them up, I thought to myself, ‘What a beautiful sight this is,’” smiled Army veteran Bob Fitzgerald. “These flags are symbols of our nation and what people have sacrificed for it. I was also grateful the Lord favored us with decent weather.”

Bob Fitzgerald (right) and American Legion members raise the US and POW/MIA flags on a new pole at the Veterans Memorial Building in Carmichael.

A retired Air Force master sergeant who served from 1955 to 1977, Fitzgerald spearheaded the staff restoration project.

“I was at the hall, attending an American Legion meeting, in April,” Fitzgerald said. “I looked up and saw there was no flagpole and no flag. I thought, this is one place a flag should be. We need to take care of this.”

In fact, the 73-year-old building’s original pole had weathered badly and been removed by the Carmichael Park District more than 20 years ago. For budgetary reasons, it was not replaced.

With permission from the Carmichael Park District, Fitzgerald kicked off Operation Raise-the-Flag. He sought donations from hall users and service groups. American Legion (Post 861) members provided $1,000. Carmichael Kiwanis Club gave $1,500. Carmichael Elks Lodge, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, a private family foundation, and individual donors also chipped in.

By September, almost $4,000 had been raised.

The Carmichael Parks Foundation wrote a check to match the donations.

Donated by the Safeway store, a chocolate cake was just desserts for the flag-raisers.

“We wanted a strong pole that would last,” Fitzgerald explained. “To prevent unauthorized persons tinkering with it, it needed an internal halyard.”

The veterans’ $8,000 spun aluminum shaft was shipped from Georgia in September. Park District staff cemented its foundation. Fitzgerald purchased two new flags, which will fly 24/7, illuminated at night by electronic apex lights.

Project Raise-the-Flag was completed in time for a Nov. 10 Presentation of Colors and the anthems, salutes, prayers and speeches, and chocolate cake that followed.

“Lots of people helped make this happen,” Fitzgerald told the gathering. “As a proud veteran, I found this project rewarding. I hope the Carmichael community and its veterans can also be proud.” 

Carmichael Veterans Memorial Building is located at 5750 Grant Ave., Carmichael.