Payson Roundup

Andy Towle/Roundup - atowle@payson.com

Bill Sahno put flags on Main Street Thursday to commemorate 9/11.

In memory of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Payson’s Patriotic Events Committee has once again erected 41 flags along Main Street. For the next few days, the flags will wave gracefully along the street, a small gesture by one man to show his patriotism.

On Thursday afternoon, U.S. Marine Corps Retired Colonel Bill Sahno meticulously hung a flag from each weathered light pole.

The last time he hung the flags was for the Civil War re-enactment in April and they mysteriously disappeared. The mystery was solved days later when Public Works Director LaRon Garrett came forward to say he scooped the flags up after gale force winds tossed them around the street.

This year Sahno hopes the weather will cooperate and the flags will stay place.

Merchants throughout Main Street said they love seeing Sahno put the flags up again including Cindy Kofile, co-owner of Re-Runs Resale Boutique.

“Without anyone asking and without any recognition” Sahno does this every year, she said. “He is such a patriot. I think it is so wonderful and I hope he continues doing it.”

Cindy’s husband Andy echoed her sentiment adding that the town has always been patriotic.

“I think it is great he does it; it gives it a hometown feel.”

Jinx Pyle, owner of Git a Rope Trading Company and a Vietnam veteran, said he always likes seeing the flag.

“It represents the country and the Constitution and a lot of men and women have died for it through the years,” he said. “As long as it’s there, you feel like it is still America.”

The Kofiles, who also own KCMA radio, plan to air a tribute Friday morning for Sept. 11 and hold a moment of silence. Andy added that at noon they play the national anthem.

Sahno and the committee also hang the flags on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day.