Whenever Robbie Upton drives past Columbus Marble Works on Highway 45 North, she can’t help but look up at the 760 square-foot flag flying outside the building.
Her great uncle, W.L. Jones, and his son, Fred Jones, first installed a flag by the highway in the early 1980s. As president and vice president at the time, the Joneses wanted to pay tribute to their collaboration with the Veterans Affairs Department.
Columbus Marble Works makes headstones for veterans buried at national cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, General Manager Key Blair said.
Symbolizing the freedom of America, the flag has become a landmark for Highway 45, one especially noticeable around Independence Day. It is the largest flag flying along the highway, and one of the biggest in the area, Blair said.
“All the military people and the veterans and the first responders, (we want) to show our appreciation for all that they do and all the sacrifice that they make and have made,” he said.
After one of their flags was stolen, Columbus Marble Works had to raise the clip that fastens the flag to a higher level. Installing the flag now requires a ladder and calm weather conditions.
“It’s so large, if there is any wind blowing, it takes two or three guys to install one,” Blair said.
People often take pictures of the flag, he said, and the community has been quick to speak up if the flag is tattered.
Due to weathering, the flag has to be replaced every six months, said Blair. Each flag costs about $925.
“We enjoy having it and hope people in the community appreciate it,” he said.
Shead Trimmeul, supervisor for Columbus Marble Works, has worked for the company since the flag was first raised.
Since the 1930s, Columbus Marble Works has had a project with the VA, creating different style tombstones for veterans, Trimmeul said.
“We do a white upright, a granite upright, we do a flat white. … We also do one for confederate soldiers and union soldiers,” he said.
As an employee for more than 40 years, Trimmeul has seen Columbus Marble Works maintain the flag, and he said it has been a pleasure to watch.
“You know, especially when a good wind (blows), and it’s standing straight out, it makes you proud to be an American,” Trimmeul said.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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