Tieton salutes the flag and those who fought for it

TIETON, Wash. -- Underneath the American flag raised Sunday at the Tieton town square flew the black flag that has become symbolic of the effort to recover America's missing and captured military members.

It was just one sign of the sacrifice made by the country's armed forces to maintain the United States' freedom since colonial days.

More than 150 residents, Yakima Valley government representatives and others gathered Sunday afternoon to recognize Flag Day, named in honor of the selection of the Stars and Stripes as America's flag by the 1777 Congress.

Tieton has held the event for the past four years, including reading the names of more than 460 current and former service members with ties to the Cowiche and Tieton areas.

Two World War II veterans -- former Tieton Mayor James Parsley and San Francisco transplant Wes Bryant -- received special recognition for their service.

"It is a nice honor, and the flag is something that should be honored, of course," said Bryant, who served in the Merchant Marine and the Coast Guard.

Parsley was an Army military policeman.

State Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches, read commendations for both men before giving the keynote speech.

"Americans can never take too much time to reflect on the greatness of their country," he said.

Ross, who served in the Navy during the first Gulf War, recalled the pride he felt as a young sailor while sailing into Pearl Harbor aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. He said it was a "pleasure" to serve during that time, describing himself as a "proud and unabashed patriot."

He said that the flag represents the best of America.

"It reminds us of what separates us from other countries -- unity in spite of our differences -- and it reminds us of the blood that has been shed defending our freedoms and liberty," Ross said.

* Mark Morey can be reached at 509-577-7671 or mmorey@yakimaherald.com.