American flags a symbol of hope for Bay residents after Hurricane Michael

[admin]

PANAMA CITY — Once he returned home after Hurricane Michael, Brian Glavey hung his American flag back up.

Glavey evacuated from Panama City and returned soon after the hurricane passed. Glavey said he flew his flag before the storm because his family has a history of military service.

“It’s a big part of my life. I’ve got a brother in the Navy,” said Glavey. “Homes are completely destroyed and that’s the first thing people are putting out.”

For Glavey and other Panama City residents who endured the catastrophic hurricane, the American flag symbolizes hope and resilience. Houses, churches and businesses throughout Panama City, a town noted for patriotism, are prominently displaying Old Glory as the community recovers.

Sherl Holloway, who lives by Oakland Terrace Park, said he’s always hung the flag at his house since it symbolizes the unity of all citizens.

“I think it’s a source of strength and coming together,” said Holloway. “It’s amazing how people have come in to help. We’ve seen trucks working on the electrical lines.”

 

Glavey said the American flag is a reminder the rest of the country is thinking of Bay County and sending resources, and taught him donations to relief organizations are important to areas hit by natural disasters.

Navy veteran John Elkins, who served from 1977 to 1981, was reminded of overseas duties when he recovered a flag at his house in the Cove neighborhood. While his home and car are severely damaged and a pile of trees takes up his front yard, he made sure to hang a flag to a pole on the side of the street as a reminder that Bay County can rebuild. The flag he owned was ripped away by Michael’s powerful winds, and the new flag stands where his mailbox used to be.

He also cried when rescuing and saluting a flag at his mom’s house nearby, which he originally found buried in azaleas.

“We’ll bounce back,” said Elkins. “My heart goes out to the people in Mexico Beach. ... These things will pass.”