Respect for flag
began at young age
Subtitle of announcement
5/18/2011 --
By JERRY
GUENTHER
Courtesy of Regional editor
Norfolk Daily News
Anyone who thinks young people don’t respect the U.S. flag have never met Thomas
Landkamer.
The sophomore at Norfolk Catholic High School probably knows more about flag
etiquette than most military veterans. His patriotism also would rank up there
with almost anyone.
“The flag represents our freedom,” Thomas said. “Many men and women have died
defending this country.”
 Thomas,
the son of Jerry and Starla Landkamer, also knows about the importance of
serving one’s country from his family.
His
father and uncle, Michael Landkamer of Columbus, both served in the U.S. Navy
during Vietnam. His deceased grandfathers, Raymond Krehnke and the elder Michael
Landkamer, served in the U.S. Army in World War II.
But there’s more to this young man’s patriotism. He is a member of the Sons of
the American Legion, and often helps with the flag raising responsibilities at
high school football games.
He also made the contacts to get a larger U.S. flag at Norfolk Catholic high
school. This flag measures 8 feet by 12 feet and was given by an anonymous
donor. He also had a Prisoners of War flag added this school year.
Jeff Bellar, Norfolk Catholic principal, said there probably has not been a more
patriotic student at Norfolk Catholic in at least 20 years.
“He came to me and asked if he could take care of the flags (when he was a
freshman),” Bellar said. “Our maintenance people had always taken care of it. He
said, ‘Mr. Bellar, could I take care of it? That is very important to me and
that is something I like to do.’ ”
Ever since, Thomas has taken on the responsibility. If a flag is not in good
shape, he will go to the appropriate person or organization and get it replaced.
Thomas also recently secured the funds, with help from Travis Fisher and the
Knights of Columbus, to get a light to illuminate the flags in front of the high
school.
Before that, Thomas always raised the flag before school and lowered it after
school.
“If it was below zero or raining, he would go out and take care of it. And he
always made sure it was done correctly,” Bellar said.
“His actions speak for themselves,” Bellar said. “In a day and age when a lot of
people talk about their patriotism, his actions show me how important it is to
him.”
Thomas began assisting with flag duties in kindergarten when Sacred Heart School
was located downtown. His interest goes back as long as he can remember, he
said.
Thomas said there are some people of all ages who don’t understand proper flag
etiquette.
At cemeteries, for example, he has found old or worn flags thrown in trash cans.
U.S. flags are to be retired in a dignified manner, preferably by burning with a
military ceremony, Thomas said.
And some organizations will mistakenly place the U.S. flag to the viewer’s
right, with another flag on the left. The U.S. flag should always be on the
viewer’s left, he said.
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