Vader accepts new flag for community, veterans

Reggie Smith (left) and Vader Assembly of God Pastor Tracy Durham (right) present a new flag to Vader Mayor Ken Smith (center) on Thursday to replace a flag burned at the Vader City Jail May 25. The story of the desecrated flag, which had been on loan to the city from Smith and wife Linda while they repaired the original, drew regional attention, and Hillsboro, Ore., resident Emily Wheelbargar decided to donate a 5’ x 8’ cotton flag flown over the US Capital Building to replace the emblem which had been burned. A smaller flag was also donated from the Knights of Columbus, based in Chehalis, and Smith accepted the donations on behalf of the residents and veterans within the community.