["12x18 Flag To Fly Over City Hall." Anoka Union 05 Apr. 1975: Print.]
The City of Anoka received a huge U.S. flag during a recent City Commission meeting. The 18 by 12 foot American flag was presented to the city by the Anoka American Legion Edward B. Cutter Post 102. Anoka American Legion commander Jerry Abeln is a big man and he has big ideas. Realizing that many of the Legion projects go unnoticed by the public, Commander Abeln was determined to accomplish a project that would be noticed. He hit on the idea of the flag as an Americanism and Community Service project. Sixteen American Legion members complete with Legion caps were present at the City Commission meeting as Commander Abeln presented the flag to Anoka Mayor David Stewart.
Six Legion members were required to unfold and fold the flag for the benefit of the Commissioners and spectators. A resolution introduced by Commissioner Charles Sell and passed unanimously, stated that the City is gratified with the gift of the flag from Post 102. "It has long been the policy of the City to display proudly the American flag 365 days each year in front of City Hall", the resolution states. "The City Commission accepts with gratitude this appropriate gift from the American Legion Post 102, commends the Post for its generous consideration and pledges to fly this national symbol even more proudly than before from the City Hall masthead".
Note: the flag was stolen from the flag pole and later found in a Postal Drop Box. It was later, ceremoniously raised. No culprit was ever found.
