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Highland Springs Creates the Big Wave of Red, White & Blue
Residents of Highland Springs retirement community sang the “Star Spangled Banner” prior to placing 408 American flags to decorate the campus for July 4th. (Courtesy of Richard Manassa)
By Jeff Getek
DALLAS, TX—At 8:30 on a quiet, sun-splashed July 3rd morning, a new tradition began at Highland Springs, the Erickson Living retirement community.
Seventy-five residents and employees created a “wave” of red, white and blue by placing 408 American flags into the ground to celebrate Independence Day.
Following the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” the team immediately went into action. The first 3 x 5 flags were placed between the magnolia trees of the Frankford Road entrance, and the volunteers then worked their way back to the main clubhouse.
Thirty minutes later, all 408 flags were in place, forming what some called the “Big Wave of Red, White & Blue.”
The idea was the brainchild of Wally Reed, a resident of Highland Springs and an Army veteran of the Korean War.
“We have so many veterans at Highland Springs that I felt we needed to do something special to celebrate the 4th of July,” described Mr. Reed. “I talked to the campus leadership, and they immediately bought into the idea.”
With the financial support of the community’s Entertainment Committee, Treasure Chest and Resident Life Department, the flags were purchased in time for the event.
“I was so proud of everyone who participated. The display looked wonderful, and I hope we started a new tradition of patriotism,” stated Mr. Reed.
The community is considering doing the same for other special holidays throughout the year.
Seventy-five residents and employees created a “wave” of red, white and blue by placing 408 American flags into the ground to celebrate Independence Day.
Following the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” the team immediately went into action. The first 3 x 5 flags were placed between the magnolia trees of the Frankford Road entrance, and the volunteers then worked their way back to the main clubhouse.
Thirty minutes later, all 408 flags were in place, forming what some called the “Big Wave of Red, White & Blue.”
The idea was the brainchild of Wally Reed, a resident of Highland Springs and an Army veteran of the Korean War.
“We have so many veterans at Highland Springs that I felt we needed to do something special to celebrate the 4th of July,” described Mr. Reed. “I talked to the campus leadership, and they immediately bought into the idea.”
With the financial support of the community’s Entertainment Committee, Treasure Chest and Resident Life Department, the flags were purchased in time for the event.
“I was so proud of everyone who participated. The display looked wonderful, and I hope we started a new tradition of patriotism,” stated Mr. Reed.
The community is considering doing the same for other special holidays throughout the year.
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