March 31 was an exciting day for students and teachers at Mid-Columbia Adventist Christian School in Hood River, Ore., and the Hood River Fire Department.
The school had not been able to fly a flag all year. The pole needed a new halyard and was unusable. Additionally, MCACS was in need of a new flag.
Peter Hardy, MCACS principal, called the local fire department to ask if the school could use their ladder to help with the problem. The timing was just right. The fire crew needed some practice on a new fire engine that had arrived only a few hours earlier. Dave Smith, captain, and his crew drove straight to the school.
The Tower 3's ladder was extended to reach to the top of the pole where Smith connected the halyard. Hardy and two students, Andy Dunn and Benjamin Amezquita, waited on the ground to attach and raise the flag, with the other students and teachers watching.
Bobbie DeWeber, MCACS teacher, had read that Senator Ron Wyden had a U.S. flag to give to an institution. DeWeber made a quick contact and MCACS was given the beautiful flag as a gift. As the flag rose higher and higher, clapping and praises could be heard throughout the neighborhood.
A certificate of authenticity was included. It reads: This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol on April 9, 2010, at the request of Honorable Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator. It is signed by Steven T. Ayers, AIA LEED Ap acting architect of the capitol. The certificate is now framed and hangs in the school's office.
Captain Dave Smith on the Tower 3 fire engine attaches the halyard to the flagpole.
Peter Hardy, Mid-Columbia Adventist Christian School principal, raises the American flag with students Andy Dunn and Benjamin Amezquita.
Students watch as the pole is fixed with the halyard and the flag is raised.
