Morrison’s American Legion Post #328, with the assistance of the Morrison Lions Club, has replaced the flag pole located at the boat ramp to Lake Carlton, at Morrison-Rockwood State Park. The original flag pole was installed by the Morrison Lions Club and was dedicated to the memory of L. C. Anderson. It sustained permanent, extensive damage due to harsh wind over the winter.
Ken Petersen is an avid fisherman at the park and Post #328’s Adjutant. He had inquired as to why the Illinois Department of Natural Resources had not replaced the flag pole and flag. He was informed that it was not out of lack of respect or desire. It was due solely to lack of a budget in Illinois, which is going on close to a year.
Petersen brought it to the attention of The American Legion Post #328. Members voted unanimously to replace the pole and flag.
Removal of the remaining portion of the damaged pole was a little bit of a challenge at first, but Petersen, Post #328 Finance Officer Jerry Brearton, and Sean Hayden of the IDNR prevailed.
“While most people and organizations take pride in the United States flag, it is especially part of The American Legion’s Constitution and By-Laws, which is outlined as part of our preamble–to foster and perpetuate 100 percent Americanism,” Brearton said. Morrison’s Legion also sells American-made flags throughout the year. The organization holds an annual “Unserviceable Flag Ceremony,” to properly dispose of retired American Flags.