Patriotism flutters in the air during Marigold Days

There’s no shortage of patriotism in Mantorville.
The community erected 196 American flags as part of “Field of Flags” next to the Dodge County Government Services Building at a kick off to Marigold Days Thursday night. The flags were lit up and displayed throughout the weekend celebration that attracts thousands of people to town.
During her speech at the opening ceremony, Nancy Tobiason-Kramer of Mantorville reminded people to always respect the American flag. “My heart weeps when I see a fellow American disrespecting our flag,” she said. “I will always respect flags.”
Tobiason-Kramer has a flag pole outside her residence along Highway 57 in downtown Mantorville. The flag was donated by Flags for the Fallen in honor of her brother, John J. Tobiason, who was killed in action during the Iraqi War in 2007. 
She hopes people will “swell with pride” about being an American and living in one nation under God. “I will stand not for what divides us, but what unites us,” Tobiason-Kramer said. 
Citizens, she said, need to start paying respect to the more than 1 million Americans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. She urged people to always stand for the flag and the National Anthem.
“I will stand to salute the principle of justice and advocate love of our country,” Tobiason-Kramer said. 
Special mention was given to Tom Hall, 95, of West Concord. He had been a POW for six months after being shot down in Austria. 
Kim Huemoeller of Mantorville, who brought her 3-year-old daughter, Alissa Setterlund, to the flag ceremony thinks the event is a cool tradition. “I just like that they are doing it every year and it’s not going away,” she said.
Huemoeller said she takes comfort in knowing there are many people who defend our country. 
“We’re proud to be an American,” she said.