Battered American flags anger Selah veteran
SELAH - A place designated to honor servicemen and women is falling short of the mark in Selah.
At issue, several American flags at the veteran’s memorial park are in shreds.
Navy Veteran Otto Kuehnert often visits the small park as he walks his dogs.
"It was an honor to think the city would appreciate our service that much to put in this park in the first place,” said Kuehnert.
The city built the park a few years ago at a cost of $15,000.
However, a few months ago, Kuehnert noticed the American flag and several military flags were worn down.
"One of the first things they taught us in boot camp is to respect the flag,” said Kuehnert.
He says this is a sign of disrespect not only to him, but to the country.
"People can spend their lives serving their country and nobody gives a [expletive]."
He contacted City Hall and was told new flags were ordered.
A month later, these flags remain tattered.
Still I wanted to know why the flags were left in this condition for so long in the first place.
Otto says an American flag as battered as this should be replaced immediately.
Selah Mayor Bob Jones says park maintenance only really consists of mowing the lawn.
He admits the city fell short of its responsibility with the flags.
"Most of the times we have all the flags we have put up and down the streets, when they get real soiled, because they get soiled...we wash them and we re-use some of them. Well they don't last quite as long," said Selah Mayor Bob Jones.
He says each military flag costs about $30.
The American flag, $40.
Another neighbor says he also contacted the city about the flags.
When asked when these flags would be replaced, Jones said by the end of the day.
Since checking out the situation at the memorial, KIMA found out the city of Selah replaced the American flag, but not the military flags.
At issue, several American flags at the veteran’s memorial park are in shreds.
Navy Veteran Otto Kuehnert often visits the small park as he walks his dogs.
"It was an honor to think the city would appreciate our service that much to put in this park in the first place,” said Kuehnert.
The city built the park a few years ago at a cost of $15,000.
However, a few months ago, Kuehnert noticed the American flag and several military flags were worn down.
"One of the first things they taught us in boot camp is to respect the flag,” said Kuehnert.
He says this is a sign of disrespect not only to him, but to the country.
"People can spend their lives serving their country and nobody gives a [expletive]."
He contacted City Hall and was told new flags were ordered.
A month later, these flags remain tattered.
Still I wanted to know why the flags were left in this condition for so long in the first place.
Otto says an American flag as battered as this should be replaced immediately.
Selah Mayor Bob Jones says park maintenance only really consists of mowing the lawn.
He admits the city fell short of its responsibility with the flags.
"Most of the times we have all the flags we have put up and down the streets, when they get real soiled, because they get soiled...we wash them and we re-use some of them. Well they don't last quite as long," said Selah Mayor Bob Jones.
He says each military flag costs about $30.
The American flag, $40.
Another neighbor says he also contacted the city about the flags.
When asked when these flags would be replaced, Jones said by the end of the day.
Since checking out the situation at the memorial, KIMA found out the city of Selah replaced the American flag, but not the military flags.
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