Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. -- Flags and flagpoles hold immense significance, especially in the military.
They symbolize national pride, unity and honor. Flags represent the value, sacrifices and history of the nation’s armed forces, serving as a beacon of courage, discipline and commitment. They act as rallying points for soldiers, fostering teamwork, guiding troops during ceremonies and battles, and marking achievements while honoring fallen heroes.
Flagpoles provide a place for displaying these powerful symbols, reinforcing collective identity, patriotism and respect for tradition.
Arnold Engineering Development Complex, or AEDC, display flags at each of its operating locations throughout the United States. Arnold Force Base, headquarters of AEDC, recently welcomed a refurbishment to the flagpole in front of the Administration and Engineering Building.
Two months ago, Master Sgt. Paul Brotherton noticed that the front flagpole was need of some repair. Brotherton went to work coordinating with AEDC personnel to see the flagpole returned to its former glory.
“I help out with the Arnold AFB Honor Guard and noticed something needed to be done to show honor to all our flags flown across AEDC,” explained Brotherton. “I worked with the building manager to work with CE [Civil Engineering] for the refurbishment of the base flagpole. It had been over 20 years since the last time the flagpole had maintenance done on it, and the pully and ropes were in bad shape.”
The flagpole was also topped with a golden eagle as the pole’s finial. Finials offer function as well as form. Finials prevent rainfall from pooling within a hollow pole and causing corrosion. The nation’s national bird, the eagle has long been a symbol of freedom, strength and integrity.
Brotherton added that it was important to him to see the flagpole updated as the flags have significant meaning and are viewed by everyone from base personnel to distinguished visitors from all over the world.
“It needed to be updated to help future AEDC Honor Guard members to put up the flags and to showcase DVs [Distinguished Visitors] and tours of the base that we take pride with our flagpole with the presentation of our American, POW/MIA, U.S Air Force and Navy flags,” said Brotherton.
Brotherton also explained what each flag currently flying represents.
“The American Flag honors the men and women who died in the service of our country,” he said. “The POW/MIA flag is to honor those who did not make it home in the service of our nation. The U.S Air Force flag honors all that we do we here at AEDC staying ahead of our adversaries to make sure the warfighter has everything they need to accomplish the mission. The Navy flag honors all the testing done for the Navy at AEDC, such as the F-14 Tomcat - that is a good example of the testing capabilities we provided to help our sister service.”