Flag that flew over U.S. Capitol now flies in Delavan
By Heather Ruenz
Linda Zell and Jan Voss, of Delavan, can be determined when they are on a mission for something they believe in. Recently, their efforts focused on a desire to fly an American flag outside of Parkside Village Apartments in Delavan where they live.
“It was early April and I was looking something else up on (U.S. Senator) Tammy Baldwin’s page when I saw a thing about ordering a flag that had flown at the United States Capitol. I talked to Jan and we decided to order one and do it in honor of Bill Hanchette, who was a Korean War vet and was also a good friend,” Zell said.
The goal was to raise the flag in honor of Hanchette’s birthdate however, the next step in the process wasn’t quite as easy as the ladies had hoped.
“The website for ordering the flag was challenging but there was a phone number for a flag coordinator and this man, Milton, helped us through every step of the process. He was wonderful,” Zell said.
She said when ordering a flag, there are a couple of choices including pre-flown.
“But if it’s for a specific reason, you get a document with it about the date that it flew, which is what we wanted,” Zell explained.
She and Voss thought they were on the ball in ordering to ensure it would arrive in time for Memorial Day – which they chose because of Hanchette being a veteran.
“It was getting close, and we were a bit worried, but it arrived a week before Memorial Day, on my birthday, which was great,” Zell said.
The worries for these two women on a mission weren’t over yet.
“Jan and I opened it and I wish someone could have filmed it because it was so big! Of course it was the right size but you’re not used to seeing flags up close so we weren’t sure at first,” she said.
In a follow up text message to Milton, the flag coordinator, Zell expressed her appreciation.
“It is a high quality and beautiful flag. Thank you again and again. I cannot tell you what a surprise for – and how much this flag will mean to – the senior residents of Parkside Village. We are of the generation that truly can appreciate the symbolism and meaning of this flag’s first raising. Your help in acquiring this treasure is greatly appreciated,” she wrote in the text message.
They had planned the ceremony to officially raise the flag at the apartment complex for Memorial Day, May 31, and hung fliers throughout inviting all of the residents to attend.
“I knew for sure there would be six of us and Jan predicted 14 or 15 people would show up,” Zell said.
Fast-forward to the day of the ceremony and Voss and Zell were in for a surprise.
“We ended up with 23 people. We can’t get that many to show up for a mandatory fire drill or when we’re giving away food,” Zell said with a smile.
Small American flags were handed out to those who had gathered and before the flag was raised, Voss carried it around so the residents could get a closer look at it and touch it.
Zell, in a short speech she gave at the beginning of the ceremony, told those gathered that the flag they were about to raise was flown over the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
In a follow up interview, she talked about the reaction.
“When I first said at the ceremony the flag flew over the U.S. Capitol, I heard people gasp and I think that speaks to our generation,” Zell said.
Back to her speech, Zell went on to explain the flag had flown in memory of Hanchette on April 18 – his birthdate – and in honor of his service.
“Those who knew Bill remember how much he appreciated all veterans. It is only appropriate that we memorialize one of our favorite residents on this Memorial Day,” she said.
Zell then read the following poem, “I Am Your Flag” by an unknown author:
“I am your flag.
I am the flag of the United States of America.
I am called Old Glory.
I am called The Star Spangled Banner.
I am the rockets red glare; the bombs bursting in air.
I am the imminence of patriotism.
I am the trenches in France, Belgium, Anzio, Normandy, Omaha Beach, Guadacanal and Korea.
I am the jungles of Vietnam, the sands of Desert Storm and the streets of Bosnia.
I am “One nation under God.”
I am the names of those who never came back to keep this republic free.
When you salute me, you are actually saluting them.
I am the symbol of America.
The home of the proud, the brave and the free.”
The colors were posted, followed by those gathered reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The flag was then lowered to half-staff in honor of Memorial Day.
Following the ceremony outdoors, the crowd moved into the community room at Parkside where Zell read the certificate that accompanied the flag will be hung.
It certifies that – at the request of the Honorable Tammy Baldwin – the flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol for William Daniel Hanchette, in honor of his birthday on April 18 and in recognition of his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
