In Honor of Our Heroes

A Historic Flagpole is Saved

---

Story and photos by Bernice Lewis

The main flagpole at the Oval Base in Plattsburgh

A site symbolizing the heart of our defense facilities is getting a makeover. And the military base that once surrounded it is now all about rest and relaxation.  

When you first reach the "oval base", the first thing that jumps out at you is the stretch of flat land home to the soccer field. You’d hardly notice the flagpoles or the lone flag flying. But for Paul Dumas, it means the world.

“Going off to fight in Korea is an experience I still don’t talk about,” said the Commander for the Disabled American Veterans. “On returning to my home country I was treated as if I’d come back from a routine visit to the dentist. There was no honor bestowed upon us." That recognition, long in coming, is finally here. “We came home and got no recognition. We weren’t the only ones, veterans from the Vietnam War felt the same way.”

At age 19 Dumas went off to war in Korea. Now a disabled retiree, he continues to meet with fellow veterans weekly at Plattsburgh’s local VFW.

“We came home and got no recognition.
We weren’t the only ones;
veterans from the Vietnam War
felt the same way as well.
We are finally getting it now.”

The idea was first brought forward by veterans from the Disabled American Veterans group who have taken on responsibility for transforming the site. After enduring the physical and mental agony of the war, showing veterans they are appreciated is the least we can do. Changes to the site include repainting of the main flagpole and replacing the smaller flagpoles on either side. These will carry U.S. flag representing each branch of the military, prisoners of war and missing in action and local veterans groups.

“This will help in unifying all veterans
who served in the war," said Steve Bowman, Director of Veterans Services for Clinton County. In addition to the new flag poles a polished stone will honor all those from the base who served here between 1814 and 1995, when air force base closed.

Willow Brook Nursery landscaping plans to include a brick path winding through perennial flowers, local trees and three picnic tables. The spot beneath the flagpole area is also historically significant. Foundations of former forts stand under the site. The Plattsburgh Air Force base is the second oldest in the country after West Port, which is no longer active. This alone is ample reason to preserve it.

The site is also aptly positioned where the 4th of July celebrations are held. “Residents will be a stones throw away from the display of fireworks. This will add even more to the sentiment of the area,” said Bowen. The project will begin as soon as the ground is clear of snow this year. Costs will be funded by the city along with help from the veterans. Bowen said, “I am very happy that this is going to happen. It gives me a great feeling inside because we can’t afford to loose a place like this we cant afford to loose such a big part of out history.”