Local business owner honors his freedoms
On a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women who have fought for the billowing red and white stripes, deep blue field and crisp white stars, thousands across the country gather together and, in their own way, say thank you for that sacrifice.Greg Yoder, owner of Carlisle Quickmart in Walnut Creek, has had an increasing understanding and respect for the deeper meaning behind the American flag. "I've become more patriotic since I became a business owner. You don't always think about the reason we have the freedom to even own a business," said Yoder, who has owned the Quickmart for five years in August.
Yoder decided to purchase an American flag from the American Legion 494 and then have them dedicate it on May 31, Memorial Day. Dedicating the American flag on Memorial Day, Yoder explained, "as a business owner, I chose to erect this flag, because if we do not have freedom, we do not have anything, including religion and the free enterprise system."
Eleven veterans marched to the side of the Quickmart and saluted the raising of the symbol of American freedom as John Hostetler, Vietnam veteran, thanked Yoder for his "request to honor and remember the freedoms represented by this flag."
"This is a small token of my appreciation to those that gave some and those that gave all, so that we can be free," said Yoder. When the dedication completed, Yoder returned to his right to enterprise, the store that reminded him of all that he has and how lucky he is to be an American.