Flags are flying along Mountain Avenue for Veterans Day, and will also line Berthoud’s main street during Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Patriots Day holidays in honor of veterans and active-duty military members.

The flags were presented by the American Legion Auxiliary Justin Bauer Memorial Unit 67 in 2013 and have been going strong ever since. 

“Our goal is to have a street of flags in Berthoud to honor our veterans and those serving and to also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Laurel Downer, American Legion Auxiliary president.

Following the auxiliary’s formation in 2012, one of the goals the organization had was to have a street of flags in town.  Downer met with the past town administrator, Mike Hart, and Jan Dowker to discuss the idea. After Dowker detailed how the American flags would be purchased by members of the auxiliary and community members to recognize loved ones who served or are currently serving in the military. It was also discussed how the town could help with the placement along Mountain Avenue. 

A huge thank you and a great deal of gratitude goes to the Berthoud Parks and Recreation Department staff, but especially Jeremy Olinger, Evan Gordon and Josh Embrey for helping hang our flags. 

Each flag was purchased as a tribute to a husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, aunt or uncle, who have served or are now serving in the military; dog tags hang on each flag in recognition of the person it memorializes. 

It takes a tremendous amount of time and money to keep these flags flying but it is so worth it, says Downer. Flags go up before Memorial Day and are taken down after Veteran’s Day each year.

If you would like to help keep these flags flying beautifully for years to come, you can send your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 67, PO Box 184, Berthoud, CO 80513.