No. 28: Inspirational Patriotism
A flag was raised the day after 9/11 on a city-owned ridgeline just south of La Novia Avenue, near Valle Road. It was subsequently dubbed “Patriot Trail.”
"We don’t know who hung that first small flag on a rusty fence post, but it touched our hearts,” said Yvonne Tschaikowsky, a San Juan Capistrano resident and member of the 65-member Flag Team of hikers, cyclists and equestrians that has since formed.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We keep an eye on the site, replace tattered flags and do maintenance when required,” she said.
Over the years, the flagpole has morphed from a fence post to a PVC pole to a small sectional flagpole to an Eagle Scout installation of a 25-foot pole, which broke in January 2010’s tornado-force winds.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The wind regularly frays the flag unmercifully, causing it to be replaced about every four months. Mike Kleine and his wife, Kathy, provided a new flag in honor of their son Matthew, a Navy lieutenant stationed in Japan.
The current 35-foot pole was installed by Eagle Scout Kyle Pickell, the younger brother of Ryan, the Scout who installed the 25-footer.
Salutes are in order.
