Field of Flags reminds us of sacrifices made
Thu, 09/16/2021 - 5:09pm
admin
By:
Sheriff Scott Rose
Freedom, honor, pride, sacrifice, love of country.
For many, the flag stirs up many memories, memorials, feelings and emotions. The flag means different things to different people – in different walks of life.
The flag reminds me of all the brave men and women who have sacrificed both here and abroad serving in our armed forces, many who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice to help keep us free. The flag represents the families of those military hero’s; the parents, spouses, and children of those who spent time away from their families risking all to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.
The flag represents our amazing law enforcement officers who, day and night, work tirelessly to make our communities safer for our friends, our families, and our children. It reminds me of our dispatchers, or telecommunicators as they are called now, the unseen heroes behind the mic, really the backbone of law enforcement. It also reminds me of our many Sheriff’s Posse volunteers who serve side by side with our deputies – serving and protecting.
The flag reminds me of all the law enforcement officers we’ve lost this year killed in the line of duty. As of Sept. 1, Line of Duty deaths in the United States total 242 for the year. It saddens and humbles me to think about their sacrifice – and it reminds me to do everything I can to help make sure our men and women have all the tools, training, and support to ensure that they stay safe day and night while they work to keep our communities safe. It reminds me of the four officers we’ve lost in the Line of Duty here in Dodge County in the 162 years since JB Hubbell was appointed as our county’s first Sheriff. The flag reminds us of the sacrifices these men made, while also reminding us of the great memories many of us have of them – memories shared by family and friends.
The flag makes me think of my father Bob Rose, who served with the Kasson Police Department from 1968 to 1979, then was hired by Sheriff Ernie Vanderhyde here at the Sheriff’s Office where he continued to serve part-time until he retired in 2000. The flag represents the amazing men and women who serve our community as paramedics or EMTs – some who are paid, many who are volunteers. The flag represents the dozens of volunteer fireman in our county that risk their lives and volunteer their time to help protect the citizens of Dodge County. Fireman that VOLUNTEER to risk their lives for us.
We fly this flag proudly outside our offices, military buildings, schools, public institutions, and our homes. It rests against walls and is draped carefully across caskets, honoring those who’ve given their lives defending it. It’s a symbol of hope and freedom. Freedom that has been fought so hard for over decades. Freedom that has cost this country and the families within so much, and yet it’s still a beacon to those wishing they had the freedom that our country enjoys.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Field of Flags Dedication at Marigold Days this past weekend. It was a beautiful day to honor of our flag, our community, our country, and all the amazing men and women who choose to protect us.
I encourage you, if you haven’t already, to talk to your kids, your grandkids, your family, and your friends about the flag. Talk about what it means to you and what it means to them. Talk to them about always respecting the flag, and remind them of all those who have sacrificed for it and of those who continue to sacrifice for us.
Your Sheriff,
Scott
Scott Rose is in his second term as sheriff of DodgeCounty.
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