Kiwanis Club flies flags at Niceville-area homes on patriotic holidays

NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Have you ever wanted to show your patriotic pride and spirit by flying the American flag on the nation’s patriotic holidays?

The Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club is making it possible for homeowners in the Niceville area to display the flag this Memorial Day weekend, and on several other holidays throughout the year, with its American Flag Display Program.

For a tax-deductible contribution of only $35 per year, club members will fly a flag at your Niceville area home on President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day through Sept. 11, Veteran’s Day, and Martin Luther King Day.

The remarkable Kiwanis Club fundraiser allows residents in Niceville, Valparaiso and Bluewater to show their pride in America, honor our troops and fallen heroes, and enjoy the splendor and beauty of the Stars and Stripes, without ever owning a flag or flag pole.

"We buy the flag, we put it up before the holiday, we take it down after the holiday, we take care of all maintenance and storage," explained Bill Brunkow, member of the Kiwanis Club and head of the flag project.

The flags, which measure three feet by five feet, are flown on a10-foot metal pole inserted in a PVC in-ground holder. The flag poles and American flags are put up a day or two before each of the seven designated patriotic holidays and are removed two or three days following the holiday.

"We do it all. The only time the homeowner has to give any thought to this is when it’s renewal time," said Brunkow.

Club members sink the flag holder in the ground -- wherever the homeowner wishes -- and cap it off at ground level. It is installed using a handheld power auger, so there is no digging, and lawns are not damaged. It is installed when the homeowner signs up to take part in the flag display program and is left in place as long as he or she chooses to participate.

Club members carefully detail on paper the location of the unobtrusive holder so homeowners don’t have to be asked to point it out when the time arrives to display the flag.

Approximately 150 local homes are taking part in the program, which is now beginning its fourth year. Brunkow said he is hopeful that number will continue to grow, perhaps to 500, or more.

In some instances several homes in a single neighborhood are taking part, such as in the Lancaster Drive and Nelson Point Road areas, just east of the Rocky Bayou Bridge.

"It really looks good to see all of those flags flying," said Jim Lindsey, a club member and volunteer in the program.

He said once one home in a neighborhood displays the flag it is not unusual for neighbors to learn about the Kiwanis flag program and want to take part.

"It can be infectious," said Lindsey, adding he hopes more neighborhoods opt to show their patriotic pride.

"It’s a win-win fundraiser," said Wayne Shimet, club member and one of the public contacts for the program. "It serves a good cause and the profits are plowed right back into the community."

The Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club supports a number of local youth-oriented civic projects and activities. Among them are high school and middle school programs aimed at getting students involved in public service.

Shimet believes flying the flag at home on patriotic holidays helps to instill a sense of pride in the community and inspires the younger generation.

"It shows patriotism and it’s good for kids to see that," he said.

If you would like to take part in the program and fly the flag at your home beginning with Memorial Day weekend, call Brunkow at 897-4396, or Shimet at 678-4383. Please phone as early in the month as possible.

For only $35 per year, Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club members will fly the flag at your Niceville area home on President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day through Sept. 11, Veteran’s Day, and Martin Luther King Day. Above and below: Kiwanis Club member Bill Brunkow installs a flag at a Niceville home with the help of club member Jim Lindsey (below). Advertiser photos by Dennis Gilson.