Jim Monahan, Paul Nickolan, Jeff Bode, Doug Cavagnaro, Matt Valdez, Billy Magee, Dan Smith, David Soo Hoo, and Jim Duran volunteer to keep the flags flying.
Patriotism has been very important in the City of Ventura. That is why you see “Old Glory” displayed throughout our city. The American flag remains a living piece of history and a source of pride and unity for all Americans.
The flag was so important to Patrick Monahan, father of Jim Monahan our former Mayor, that in the 1930’s he made sure every polling station had a brand-new American Flag displayed throughout the County of Ventura.
Originally, the American Legion and the City of Ventura displayed the flags on Main St. and various other locations. But at some point, this tradition came to a halt.
Jim purchased flags and encouraged the other council members to purchase them as well. When it was time to display the flags in 1993, Corporal Ken Corney (former Police Chief of Ventura) carried the flags from pole to pole and Firefighter John Duff (former Fire Captain) climbed up the ladder to secure the flag to the pole.
A few years later, the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW), asked if they could help. Jeff Bode, Business Manager of IBEW, has been organizing the volunteers for several years. Trucks were donated by Taft Electric and Oilfield Electric & Motor.
The Lyons Club, Pier into the Future and many volunteers are responsible for displaying the flags in the other areas of Ventura.
“After 30 years,” says Monahan, “I have decided to pass the baton to Councilmember Jim Duran. I could not think of a better person to continue this very important tradition. Jim has a heart for this country and loves our city.”
New flags are needed to replace the damaged ones. If you would like to purchase a flag for this program, you may do so at American Flags & Cutlery, 305 E. Main St. Ventura 93001. You can call Bryan at (805) 612-6400.
