Church hangs flags to honor military

Carson City Christian Fellowship-Calvary Chapel unveiled a

"Wall of Honor" in respect to military personnel, both active and retired March 2. All branches are represented, U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy.

"It was an emotional Sunday morning when this wall was explained," Rev. Pat Propster said. "This wall takes politics out of war and has the church responding to human needs."

The idea came to Propster, who then sketched out a plan for the whole wall.

"This is a wall of people who literally have their lives on the line. They're fighting the battle and putting their lives on the line, while we endure the freedom."

Smaller flags hang below the branch flags. Four names are already posted -- U.S. Navy Paul E. Emmerich (veteran); U.S. Army CW4 John A. Jacot (veteran); World War II U.S. Navy Frank C. Malito (veteran, deceased), and U.S. Army Matthew Keith Ashworth, active.

After the service, the congregation was asked if they had family members participating in Operation Enduring Freedom whose names they want to add.

"This crosses over all barriers. War is what's on TV. When you hug your nephew goodbye, that's personal."

Propster will add banners each week. They are handmade by Service Flags Inc. in Carson City, which received authorization from the Army to manufacture and sell service flags.

Employee Briana Simmons said a prayer card is inserted with each order prior to mailing. She and co-owner Cathy Vairo also say a silent prayer for each flag.

Vairo, who co-owns the business with her brother David Smith, wrote the poem: "The star on this flag has been placed with care, and made for you with a wish and a prayer. May your journey be safe, as life unfolds, while this star of hope shines bright and bold."

"The poem came about as a grandmother was ordering a flag for her grandsons," Vairo said. "I told her we said a prayer for every flag because the star on the flag represented a loved one. We understand what these mean.

"Then I told my brother we should let everyone know we pray for their loved ones' safe return. That's when I wrote the poem."

Vairo said they've made thousands of service flags. She's also kept a book of thank-you letters and photos they've received from customers.

"They're so precious," Vairo said.

The service flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities. It may be displayed by an immediate family member or by an organization to honor the members of the Armed Forces.

"To see the older people come here, they just stare at it," Propster said. "This (honor wall) has been going on a long, long time. For many years.

"It adds a little more to the depth of a Christian family. We're in this together, we're Americans.

"And we placed it here, on the west wall, because we want it to be the last thing they see on their way out. So they'll remember to pray for them."

The flags are made by layering flock on high quality wool blended felt. The size of each flag is 8-by-15.2 inches.

Flags can be made to honor any military personnel, retired, active or deceased veteran.

TO VIEW

Where: Carson City Christian Fellowship-Calvary Chapel, 1744 Forrest Way (off Goni Road)

Sundays 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or Wednesdays 6-10 p.m.

TO ORDER

Call: Service Flags.com Inc.

841-6227 or visit their Web site,

www.ServiceFlags.com