New Avenue of Flags committee welcomes adoption of flags

     Last spring, long-time Avenue of Flags leader and volunteer, Linda Kleinow, announced she was no longer able to continue displaying the hundreds of American Flags throughout Oakwood and Sacred Heart cemeteries. It simply came down to lack of volunteers the tiring manhours Kleinow had to put into the program.

   Kleinow had been involved with Avenue of Flags since the mid-1990s.

   Following that announcement and wanting to continue to see those flags flying high, a new group of leaders stepped up to the plate to carry on a strong, patriotic tradition in Monticello.

   Those leading the charge are:

   • Scott and Tara Brighton

   • Kraig and Mikki Manternach

   • Marv Kelchen

   • Dave Haag

   • Dom and Jen Luensman

   • Jeff Stadtmueller

   • Kyle Stadtmueller

   After driving around town last Memorial Day, the group decided to take the program on to get the flags back out into the cemeteries.

   “It’s something that requires more than one person to do,” said Scott.

   These volunteers all also represent the various entities in Monticello that take pride in displaying American Flags for major holidays: Oakwood Cemetery, Sacred Heart Cemetery, the veterans (First Street), and the Cedar Street flags.

   “Now it’s all under one roof,” Scott added.

   “And no one has to do it all,” commented Marv.

   This Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, will be the first time since Kleinow stepped down, that all of the flags will be flying throughout the community.

   This group now has a mission to make sure that each American Flag that is part of the Avenue of Flags stands tall in honor or in memory of a veteran.

   For a one-time fee of $125, they will fly a 5-foot-by-8-foot-high quality American Flag purchased from the Monticello VFW, on a 20-foot-tall flagpole. A personalized nameplate will also be included.

   “This powerful display is more than just a line of flags – it’s a living tribute to those who have bravely defended our freedom,” notes the committee. “We invite you to walk along them, reflect, and remember. Your presence helps us honor the past and inspire future generations with the values of duty, courage, and patriotism.”

   The flags will all be displayed on the following holidays:

   • Memorial Day

   • Fourth of July

   • Labor Day

   • Veterans Day

   By adopting a flag, you can also specify where you want that flag flown, whether it’s Oakwood or Sacred Heart Cemetery.

   Dave Hagg and Marv Kelchen, along with other volunteers, display the flags at the Catholic cemetery.

   “We’ve helped out up the flags over the years at both cemeteries,” said Dave. “We know what needs to be done.”

   “This will Dad’s first flag,” remarked Tara of her late family, Mike Lambert, Sr. Lambert passed away in March 2024; he was an Army veteran and served in the Vietnam War.

   Fliers about Avenue of Flags are available at both Goettsch Funeral Home and Kramer-Morris Funeral Home for families wishing to adopt a flag in memory of their loved one who served this country.

   When they first took over Avenue of Flags, the Brightons toured other cemeteries to see how they display flags for various holidays, too. They also met with Kleinow to get a round-down of the work and organization involved.

   “This was Linda’s baby,” said Scott.

   “She did a fantastic job at it,” added Dave.

   “It was always a challenge to get volunteers,” said Marv. “And to coordinate a time to put the flags up.”

   They said whenever a new volunteer shows up, there is some required education and a demonstration as to the proper way to handle a flag, never letting it touch the ground.

   “It’s about respect,” Tara said.

   In mid-April, the committee posted their intent to see flags adopted in honor of veterans. Since then, people left and right have been reaching out to contribute and adopt a flag for their father, grandfather, friend, who served in the military.

   “It’s been unbelievable,” Tara said of the response.

   Over 50 new flags will be purchased as of this interview.

   In addition, each gravestone also has its own American Flag marker that is displayed next to the stone in honor of that veteran. That job is performed by the Scouts of Troop 66.

   To adopt a flag, contact Avenue of Flags at 319-480-5182 or scott@ci.monticello.ia.us.

   Donations to Avenue of Flags to help cover the cost of replacement poles and nameplates can be made to the Avenue of Flags account at F&M Bank in Monticello.

   If you would like to volunteer and help put up the flags before Memorial Day, a schedule will be posted to the group’s Facebook page: “Avenue of Flags – Monticello, IA.”

   “We just want to get some awareness out there,” stressed Tara. “We thank Linda for all her hard work.”

   “And hit people who are not on Facebook,” added Scott. “This is a great committee. It’s not about us, though; it’s about getting these flags and honoring the veterans.”

   “And keeping this going for years to come,” offered Marv.