Man Works To Make Guthrie ‘Patriotic Flag City USA’

Jerry Beranek has a high-flying vision.

“We’d like to get Guthrie kicked off as Patriotic Flag City USA," Beranek, the Commander-elect of American Legion Le Bron Post No. 58, said.

Beranek said he originally came up with the idea three weeks ago. He felt patriotism and unity were needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Legion picked Flag Day for its first-ever flag retirement ceremony, which kickstarted the campaign.

After several speakers, a local junior ROTC battalion officially retired tattered and torn flags.

Beranek said the legion will make a push to sell flags to residents and local business to re-enforce the idea of Guthrie being “Patriotic Flag City USA.”

“On the main highway of I-35, have a sign, ‘Guthrie: Patriotic Flag City USA’, so they come off the interstate and drive down Noble and every house is flying a flag," Beranek said.

Beranek said they’ll start with getting support from local officials. His hope is legislation in favor of his passion will be passed at the state and, eventually, the federal level.