Cullman Times | Organizers bringing Walk of Flags to Cullman

Organizers bringing Walk of Flags to Cullman
By Loretta Gillespie | Cullman Times | September 6, 2011

CULLMAN — It all started, as most great ideas do, with the vision of one person. Then it blossomed into a possibility when Martha Burchell spoke to Cullman Mayor Max Townson.

After the mayor gave his approval, she took her idea to the Kiwanis Club, whose members were enthusiastic about the project, as well. Burchell had vacationed in Warm Springs, Ga., last year. She visited the “Little White House” at the F.D. Roosevelt State Park, where she was awestruck by the beauty and patriotic sentiment of the Walk of Flags there. “Why couldn’t we do something like this in Cullman?” wondered Burchell.

The more she thought about it, the more excited about the prospect she became. “I got so excited about it that I couldn’t sleep,” said Burchell. The idea caught on and the Kiwanis Club kicked off the fundraiser on Pancake Day last March.
Cullman got behind the project, as more and more people heard about the Walk of Flags and began to get involved. Mayor Townson purchased the American flag that will hold center stage in the majestic parade of flags in Depot Park. “Each state will be represented,” Burchell explained. “The initial cost will come from donors who want to buy a flag in memory or in honor of someone. After that, the project will be self-sustaining, maintained by the Kiwanis Club; we won’t ever have to ask anyone to donate again.”

The preliminary donations will include the flags and the poles on which they will fly. Burchell is in the process of contacting each state to ask for the donation of a stone indigenous to that region. Information about that particular state will be engraved on each one, which will then be placed at the foot of the pole.

Bob and Melba Palys were also instrumental in keeping the momentum going about the Walk of Flags. In July of 2010, they visited a similar display while attending the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas. “We learned a lot about telescopic flag poles on that trip, “said Palys. “They are a great idea; no pole ropes or noise to deal with and the flags never wrap around the poles.”

Mayor Townson offered the space in Depot Park as the location for the display, which will be on the north side of the park. “Mayor Townson has been very helpful throughout this entire project,” praised Palys.

The initial funding came from people who wanted to help.”Our plan was to offer sponsorship of a flag and flag pole for a one time donation of $500,” Palys explained. “The person sponsoring the flag and pole could deem their donation to a loved one, and could also select the specific flag; multiple sponsorship of a flag is also possible.” The Kiwanis Club decided to wait until one-third of the necessary funds were in hand before the poles and flags were ordered.

On Aug. 2, the order for the flags was placed. Preparation of the site was begun by the City of Cullman. St. John and Associates graciously agreed to oversee the engineering of the preparation, including the location of the poles. The Cullman Power Board will assist the project by providing the equipment and the construction of the 51 holes for the poles. DCA Ready Mix will furnish the cement needed to set the poles in place. “We are anticipating having the flags flying before Cullman’s Annual Oktoberfest Celebration,” said Palys.

“We are hoping to have government and military officials, a few speeches, and music to highlight the dedication.” The dedication is set for noon on Veteran’s Day (11-11-11).

According to Palys, the project will proceed in three phases. Phase One is the site preparation and the installation of the poles and flags, ending with the dedication in November. Phase Two will be the installation and dedication of a bronze plaque identifying all donors and the reason for the donation, which is scheduled to take place on Nov. 11, 1212. Phase Three will consist of the placing of a stone indigenous to the state containing detailed information such as the state bird, state flower, and other pertinent details. The final phase is scheduled to take place Nov. 11, 2013.

The Cullman Kiwanis Club has three reasons for creating the Walk of Flags. “First, we felt that it would add to the aesthetic beauty of Depot Park,” said Palys. “We can visualize the 51 flags flowing beautifully in the breeze of a spring day, and we feel that with its location near the Festhalle Market Platz and the Train Depot, the Walk of Flags will be an added tourist attraction for our city. Secondly, we know this display will be of educational value for our children and the adults who visit the park. At present people would have to travel to either Montgomery or Warm Springs, Georgia to see all 50 flags in one location. A recent survey showed that less than 10 percent of our local population has ever seen all 50 flags. Finally, this project gives the Kiwanis Club and the City of Cullman the opportunity to offer a special service to our area. The motto of the Kiwanis International is “Serving the children of the world”and the Cullman Kiwanis Club is proud to have its name synonymous with the Walk of Flags.”

In the future, the City of Cullman will help to care for the grounds within Depot Park. Plans to add additional lighting, sidewalks and benches are under discussion. The Cullman Kiwanis Club will ensure that the flag poles and flags are maintained. “We will never use a flag that is frayed or discolored by the sun,” said Burchell. The state flags will be arranged in three rows, two containing 17 flags and one with 16. Each pole will be 23 feet tall. The United States flag will measure five feet by eight feet, and will be mounted on a 30 foot pole, which will be lighted each night. The first U.S. flag to fly in the Cullman Walk of Flags will be one that has previously flown over the White House in Washington, D.C. “Congressman Robert Aderholt was instrumental in helping to obtain this flag,” said Palys. Each state flag will be four feet by six feet, and will need to be replace about every 12-15 months. All the flags will be flown at all times.

“We believe that the Walk of Flags will be viewed and enjoyed by generations to come,” said Palys. “We invite you to be a part of this project, it is a great opportunity to remember or honor a loved one.”

Flag poles will be sold until Labor Day, 2012. After this date, no additional sponsorships will be available. For further information on purchasing flags or poles, or any details about the Walk of Flags, please contact Martha Burchell (256-737-7450) or Bob Palys (256-352-2793) or any Cullman Kiwanian. All donations are tax deductible according to 501c3 regulations. Checks should be made out to the Cullman Kiwanis Club.

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