Veterans honored at flag-raising ceremony

Evergreen Carson City Health and Rehabilitation Center on Friday honored veterans residing at the facility with the raising of a new American flag.

"This is in dedication to the veterans who are in our building," said Francis Ashley, director of marking admissions.

"We wanted to do something for our veterans to show our appreciation and honor them, every day. Now we can raise the flag on a daily basis, not just special occasions."

Ashley said there are about 20 veterans among the 120 residents at the facility. The ceremony took place the day before Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Today marks the 61st anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, which triggered World War II.

Jim Lindstrom, a U.S. Navy veteran and resident at the center, said watching the raising of the flag touched him.

"It was very, very emotional for me," Lindstrom said, his voice breaking.

"I served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years. I was at Iwo Jima. I was on a landing craft with the Fourth Marine Division.

"I'm very proud they are honoring us."

Lindstrom moved to Carson City in 1963 and married his wife, Eleanore, on Dec. 7, 1963, in Virginia City.

Evergreen department supervisor Michael DeRubertis will be in charge of raising the flag every day on the 30-foot pole.

During the ceremony, a speech was given by Tim Tetz, department vice commander of the American Legion of Nevada.

"It is with great honor that we, as members of The American Legion Capitol Post No. 4 dedicate this flag and standard for the coming generations," Tetz said. "May we never forget the significance depicted by her with such clarity."

Evergreen is a skilled nursing facility providing physical, occupational and speech therapy for its patients. Most of the patients are recent acute care releases from a hospital in need of further treatment.

"We do have several people who are long term," Ashley said. "This is their final destination."