Flagpole is latest addition to New Richmond's Citizens Field

• Vernon Conrad

Vernon Conrad throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2012 home opener of the New Richmond Junior American Legion baseball team last Tuesday. Conrad spearheaded the effort to get a flagpole placed at the ball field. He is shown with Junior Legion coach Arron Manecke.
• Raising the flag

Vernon Conrad is shown raising the flag at Citizens Field for the first time with the help of American Legion members (l-r) Vern Lokker, Arnold Tjelta (behind flag) and Lee Feneis.

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The newest addition to the renovations at New Richmond's Citizens Field is a flagpole that is located just beyond the outfield fence near the scoreboard.

The addition of the flagpole is a joint effort between the New Richmond American Legion Butler-Harmon Post 80 and the New Richmond Parks Department.

Legion members took the lead after being told about the need for a flagpole at Citizens Field. The Legion chapter has been actively involved in upgrades to the ballpark since American Legion baseball was begun in New Richmond several years ago.

Legion members Chuck Mehls, Arvid Flanum and Vernon Conrad were named to a committee to pursue getting the project rolling. Conrad became the front man for the project, using a letter-writing campaign to make city powers aware of the need. Conrad’s father was a Legion member, making him eligible to be part of the Sons of Legion group.

“Vernon’s at every meeting. He’s been a big supporter of the Legion,” Mehls said.

Once approval was received, the Parks Department looked locally for the items needed. The flagpole was purchased from American Flag and Flagpole Co. of Lake Elmo, Minn. An eye-catching stone base that recognizes the Legion’s donation was installed by Rivard Stone of Somerset. A spotlight that shines on the flag was installed by Geigle Electric of New Richmond.

The flag dedication ceremony was held on June 12 before the New Richmond Junior Legion baseball games against Osceola. Conrad was given the honor of raising the flag for the first time. He was then driven to the pitcher’s mound, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game. The ball was autographed by the players on the Junior Legion team.

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