COLUMBUS -- The American flag flying over the Andrew Higgins Memorial this Fourth of July was first unfurled over the United States Capitol March 24 in honor of Columbus.
The flag’s placement at the Higgins Memorial marks the fulfillment of Wisconsin fifth-grader Will Seeley’s commitment to promote honor and respect for the American flag.
The new flag was raised in place at sunrise Thursday. Eight Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts were present representing Pack 115, Pack 192, Troop 115 and Troop 276. Also present were Cubmaster Greg “Doc” Schaefer, Unit Commander Les Hardesty, District Executive Kara Asmus and Nick Zedicher, representing the Higgins Memorial.
“I was very proud of those scouts who came to the flag raising so early this morning,” said Schaefer, the cubmaster of Pack 212.
“It’s great that they came out to show their patriotism and their pride and respect for the flag. It’s this type of thing that shows the Boy Scout program really does work to instill patriotism and civic pride in the young people who participate,” he said.
Seeley, also a Boy Scout, is the son of Mark and Christine Seeley of Prairie du Chien, Wis.
During a visit to Columbus in December, Seeley noticed the tattered condition of several flags in Columbus.
Seeley’s letters to the editor in The Telegram and to the mayor inspired the retirement and replacement of several flags in the community.
Seeley returned to Columbus over the Memorial Day holiday and participated in the flag retirement ceremonies. He also participated in a flag exchange with Columbus Boy Scout leaders, who exchanged flags that had been flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C.
The new American flag now flying at the Higgins Memorial was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. at the request of United States Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wisconsin.
The flag was presented to the Columbus City Council by Hardesty during a special presentation June 16.
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