by January Weber
Hancock Rotary
The flag of the United States of America is more than just a national symbol—it is a powerful reminder of our history, our freedoms, and the people who have shaped our lives.
Our Flags for Heroes display at Widmeyer Park in Hancock is installed the Tuesday before the Fourth of July and removed the following Tuesday.
This year, Rotary members Tracy Salvagno, Jan Weber, Deanne Baker, Carolyn Klingerman, Dan Murphy, Autumn Williamson, and Donna Wallizer, along with our dependable volunteers Pat and Bryant Wallizer, worked together to make this display possible. Pat and Bryant established the flag lines, and despite the summer heat, everyone showed up ready to work without a single complaint.
Six years ago, I brought the idea of a Flags for Heroes display to our club after sponsoring a 3’ x 5’ flag for $50 in honor of my daughter, who is now a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. I envisioned a smaller, manageable fundraiser that would allow our community to honor the people who have made a difference in their lives. Our Rotary members immediately embraced the idea, and their dedication has helped this project grow each year.
This year, we proudly displayed 313 Flags for Heroes.
A master list of all dedications has been published on the Hancock Rotary Club Facebook page. While the list does not specify whether each flag is dedicated in memory of or in honor of someone, sponsors indicate that distinction when they purchase a flag, and it is printed on each individual dedication tag.
Most importantly, this display is inclusive. The flags are not limited to active military members or veterans. They honor anyone who has touched your life in a meaningful way—a family member, friend, mentor, teacher, first responder, healthcare worker, neighbor, or anyone deserving of recognition. Every flag represents a unique story and a special person.
What many people don’t see is the tremendous amount of work that takes place behind the scenes. Before the display is even installed, we coordinate with the Town of Hancock, and this year Dan Murphy took the lead on that responsibility.
photo by Geoff Fox
Throughout the month of June, club members promote the fundraiser and collect sponsorships.
Carolyn Klingerman spends countless hours carefully ironing every flag to remove wrinkles, attaching each dedication tag, and ensuring that when multiple flags are sponsored by one family, they remain together so they can be displayed in the same row. Carolyn and I make many trips back and forth between her office and mine, checking every tag, every list, and every detail to ensure everything is accurate before the flags are ever placed in the park.
But the work doesn’t end there. The Tuesday after Independence Day, Melinda Golden handles removing the display. It truly is a team effort. That’s what Rotarians do—we Unite for Good.
Seeing all 313 flags waving together is a beautiful sight, day or night. More importantly, it’s the stories and the people they represent that make this project so meaningful.
I’d like to say thank you to everyone who sponsored a flag, volunteered your time, and continues to support this cherished Hancock Rotary Club tradition.
