Iraq War Veteran Donates American Flag to Pe Ell

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An American flag that once flew over foreign soil now flies in Pe Ell.

Reserve U.S. Army Capt. Robert McGrath donated a flag that flew in Iraq to the town at a ceremony at the park across from the Post Office Wednesday.

The flag was raised over Joint Base Balad in Iraq before the base was turned over to the Iraqis in late 2010 shortly after McGrath finished his last deployment. He said all staff officers received a flag before the base was transferred over as part of the drawdown of the war.

Since the veteran has returned home, the flag has been on his shelf with a certificate. Having noticed the American flags at both the town’s cemetery and park were worn, he decided to donate his.



Mayor Lonnie Willey agreed to put McGrath’s flag up in the park. The town held a ceremony for the exchange of flags at 10 a.m.

McGrath will dispose of the old flag, and plans to work with the town to get a replacement flag for the cemetery.

The veteran and his family bought their Pe Ell home in 2010. He resigned his active duty commission to be with his family in what he describes as a “quiet” and “nice” community.