Flag Day has never meant much to me; in fact, I don’t really recall much mention of it until I was in college. Without the help of the internet or books, I can’t readily recall its specific origins. That said, I’ve never talked to our kids about Flag Day.

Since today was Flag Day and we were out already, I thought it would be neat to step into Fayne Haynes’ Flag Store just for kicks.

Mr. Haynes greeted us and he and I discussed flag pole options for our yard. I had heard the story of his flag store before so I asked him to tell the kids. Several years ago, he was looking for an appropriate size flag for his poles at his office building and his home. He was unsuccessful in finding a large flag in Murfreesboro so he decided to open a flag store. He was quick to tell us that all of his flags and poles are American made. As they should be!

Mr. Haynes then began to tell us of his time spent in World War II. He was around 19 when the drafting age was lowered from 21 to 18. He left his wife of 3 months to train at Fort Hood in Texas. He was a gunner and he had a picture of the type of tank he used. He showed us the German map and compass he used when he escaped as a Prisoner of War. He couldn’t read German but used the map to the best of his ability to walk 80 miles to join up with the British forces. I couldn’t help but wipe tears from my eyes as he talked about all he encountered through this long journey of survival.

After 30 short minutes, Flag Day quickly defined itself in my mind. It’s not just about the red, white and blue material sewn together. It symbolizes the men and women who have been forced to leave loved ones to fight, who tramped through jungles and swamps, who have looked up at the sky from Normandy Beach to witness 10,000 planes overhead, who have encountered enemies face to face, and who have escaped from POW camps only to be afraid for their life for 80 long miles.

He has a museum of sorts in his flag store. This make-shift museum chronicles his life as a soldier and a veteran. He has been the Grand Marshall for several parades, has received numerous awards and recognitions that are all displayed. The newspaper articles that aren’t framed have been scrapbooked.
Mr. Haynes was once a partner in Haynes Brothers Lumber company, former owner of a Haynes Candy company and a proud dad that was anxious to show us family photos as well.

This 90 year old said he exercises 30 minutes a day, lifting dumbbells, doing jumping jacks and push-ups, then he goes for a walk.

This spontaneous stop was the highlight of my week. Except for being mannerly when Mr.Haynes gave the kids small flags and coin keepers, the kids remained silent the whole time. I’m not sure how much they retained but hopefully later in life they will look back and remember the 30 minutes we spent with such an interesting and adventurous man of valor.

If there was ever a proprietor to manage an American flag store it is Fayne Haynes. We were honored to be in his presence on this Flag Day 2012!

Happy Flag Day!!