Veteran Keeps Up Fight for Flag Day

World War II veteran Merle Metzler worries that nobody really cares that today is Flag Day, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777.

“It’s a sad thing,” the 77-year-old Ventura resident said. “People have lost sight of any honor in this country.”

Respecting the flag is vital because so much of what this country stands for is represented in its colors and design, he said.

Though it is customary today to hang flags outside homes and businesses, he said he doubts many will bother.

But this member of American Legion Post 339 will dress in his uniform blues to take part in a 10 a.m. ceremony at Pacific View Mall.

Metzler and other Legion members will stand at attention and salute as flags are raised as part of a new mall exhibit.

The mall is hosting a three-month exhibit featuring flags of different sizes in recognition of America and Flag Day.

The mall’s management company, Macerich, recently conducted a nationwide poll of 4,500 people, which uncovered that a third of shoppers did not know what day Flag Day is celebrated, according to a company release.

“It has everything to say about our country,” said Metzler, who was awarded a Bronze Star for ground combat in World War II. “That’s what we fought for.”

At 11 a.m., the city of Ventura will mark the holiday by raising six historic flags near San Buenaventura Mission. The ceremony will recognize the community’s California, Spanish and Mexican history, said Richard Senate, a Ventura historian.

Few people are passionate about flag trivia, he said. “It’s an esoteric thing for many people.”