Don Gardner folds a discarded American flag in Huntington, Emery County. Brooke Cowley
In the midst of a windstorm that swept the state on April 19, Brooke Cowley spent a lot of the day cleansing up her yard in Huntington, Emery County, that was in disarray and throwing away gadgets that had been destroyed. A kind of gadgets was a big American flag, nonetheless tied to its pole.
Hours later, Cowley discovered herself within the entrance room along with her youngsters looking the bay window to see the native sanitation employee eradicating the flag from the rubbish and thoroughly folding it earlier than placing it in his truck.
Embarrassed by her actions because the spouse of a U.S. Military veteran, Cowley determined to take a video of the employee who she would later discover out was a person named Don Gardner. Cowley shared the video on her Fb web page to coach the general public on tips on how to correctly get rid of a flag. The video went viral, sparking interviews on the nationwide stage.
Gardner, alternatively, who additionally appeared within the interviews, mentioned he was simply doing what he believed was the fitting factor to do.
"I've all the time been a giant fan of our nation," Gardner mentioned. "I served within the Marine Corps, and my household has a protracted historical past of navy service. I additionally grew up watching people right here in Emery County serve — many in Vietnam."
Over time, Gardner has been volunteering with the American Legion Publish 39, serving to to retire flags. He mentioned that when he noticed the flag within the rubbish, he wished to ensure that it was retired appropriately.
"I used to be simply doing my job," he mentioned. "I pulled as much as the can that was open and I pulled the flag off the pole and folded it up. It is simply one thing I do. I've in all probability discovered 11 or 12 flags over time within the rubbish, and I've all the time taken them out and made positive they're taken care of correct."
Gardner's daughter Sara Hayward mentioned that she wasn't shocked by what her dad did as a result of that is simply the kind of man he's.
"He's actually devoted to every little thing in life," Hayward mentioned. "He had an enormous half in making a memorial trip that takes place each summer season in remembrance of his mates who've handed away. He helps tremendously with the native co-ed volleyball league and softball leagues. He spent a lot time with me within the hospital after I was in my automobile accident that induced strokes, and he helped push me via to restoration. I do know that do not have a lot to do with saving flags, however he's simply an all-around nice man."
Greater than only a flag
Gardner mentioned the eye to the video has been one thing he by no means imagined or wished, however that if it teaches individuals to be extra conscious of what the flag stands for and to indicate respect for it, then it is a good factor.
"Now we have rights and freedoms on this nation due to the servicemen and girls who've fought," Gardner mentioned. "I would do all of it once more if it saved one other flag. It is value it."
Cowley mentioned that whereas she was embarrassed for having thrown the flag away, she is grateful for the educating alternative.
"I used to be actually embarrassed," Cowley mentioned. "My husband is a veteran and has even taught youth teams tips on how to correctly get rid of a flag. After I informed him what I did, he could not imagine it. It was a extremely silly second in my life, and I wished others to be taught from my mistake."
"You probably have an outdated flag that you do not know what to do with, carry it to me; I will deal with it," Gardner mentioned. "You may as well get them to your native American Legion, metropolis workplace, hearth division or sheriff's workplace. They may make certain to get the flags to the right ceremony for retirement."