Decorah Fire Department thanks those who helped get a giant American flag

The Decorah Fire Department has accepted the donation of an American flag that is as large as was displayed at the department's Nordic Fest Breakfast this year.  The flag measures 20ft x 30 ft and was donated to the department by the Kermit and Norma Mestad Family. 

A news release from the Decorah Fire Department talks about posing for a photo with members of Mestad's family: "Kermit was a veteran and was always proud of that.  Seeing the large flag being hung from the tip of the Decorah Fire Department aerial was a moving experience that was shared by many, after the large flag from Clear Lake Fire Department was displayed on Nordic Fest 2015.

"It was on decorahnews.com that someone commented that there should be collection be taken to have the large flag avaible to the Decorah Fire Dept.  Even though the Decorah Fire department does not have any veterans or active service members, the department has had many who did serve their country well.  That was when the Mestad Family contacted us and made the commitment to purchase the flag in memory of Kermit and Norma Mested.  "To know Norma and Kermit Mested was a privilege" states Steve Vanden Brink, Decorah Fire Dept. Public Information Officer.  Kermit was pure class when it came to his service to his country.  "Seeing him in his dress uniform, you knew he was real and caring" states Vanden Brink, who was also a former neighbor to Kermit and Norma Mestad.    

The Decorah Fire Department expresses their sincere appreciation for this donation.  When the department flies the flag we will always remember Kermit and his commitment."