An appropriate salute to patriotism
–One of the most sincere forms of respect for our country is to proudly display the stars and stripes. Through my drives downtown Paso Robles and through our neighborhoods, I am proud to see more flags than during the most recent times in our nation’s history. There are several commemorative days ahead: Armed Forces Day – May 15, Memorial Day – May 31, and Flag Day – June 14. Once an American flag has served its best purpose, there is a proper way to honor it.
There is a metal container for retired flags located on the corner of 13th and Paso Robles Street. It was donated by the Paso Robles Elks Lodge in 2013 and was fabricated and installed by North County Welding and Iron Works. Property owner and businessman David Kudija says, “Each year, there are over 1,200 flags deposited in the retirement box. I stopped counting in September of 2019 when I reached 10,000 flags.”