Flag Day Tradition - One of Honor & Respect

SWAN VALLEY – "It's a matter of respect," said 20-year retired Navy veteran Edward Klassen as he carefully folded a faded, worn American flag.

Klassen and his wife Heidi, also a 20-year retired veteran with the Navy, joined fellow members of the Swan Valley American Legion Post 63 on Flag Day, June 14, to dispose of more than 30 flags.

Post member Dale Aldrich started the Flag Day tradition in the Swan Valley "many, many years ago," said Post Member Ray Opp. "Sometimes he was even down here by himself. He was just dedicated to do it on Flag Day."

Now Opp and post member Ray Haera continue the...