Flags to fly on Memorial Day

Monument Hill Cemetery will once again be home to Hawk’s Avenue of Flags this Memorial Day. The memorial was created in 2016 in memory of Airman First Class Donald L. “Hawk” Hawkins by his wife Betty Hawkins and daughter Julie Lehman, but it is for all veterans.

The flags flown are the casket flags used at funerals for servicemen and women, but those who want to keep their casket flags can order a 9’x5’ flag. Each flag is displayed on a 15-foot pole, and each pole has a plaque engraved with the name, rank and branch of the deceased soldier.

Monday’s ceremony will begin with a speech and prayer from Senate District 20 representative Wyatt Agar, and members of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office and Thermopolis Police Department have volunteered to set up the poles.

Lehman noted several high school students dug holes for the poles on Friday, and they are quickly approaching the end of the cemetery.

Lehman said there are over 90 poles going up this year, compared to an estimated 65 during the 2016 Memorial Day ceremony. It will be the third ceremony for the flags, as they were also flown on Veterans Day last year.