Northeast News
December 7, 2016

The dog knows that Independence Avenue is by far the busiest thoroughfare that bisects Historic Northeast Kansas City. It’s a bustling and gritty pass through that most treat as a means to get from here to there, hopefully with as little attention as possible paid to one’s self, always with a keen eye on what’s going on outside the vehicle windows.
Astute Avenue travelers, however, have noticed in recent weeks that there’s some new flag waving activity at the old post office near Chestnut and the old Rose Marie Flower Shop, both thanks to the Northeast Chamber and Independence Avenue CID, who recently purchased both buildings. Let’s talk about those flags, shall we? We all know the Avenue has its own cast of characters who ply the sidewalks on a variety of creative-wheeled conveyances. According to Chamber honcho Bobbi Baker-Hughes, one day last week an older man dressed in a fatigue jacket and grungy jeans rode past the offices and witnessed the stars and stripes being lowered by the Avenue Angels and CID staffers. It’s an everyday occurrence that would nary draw a second glance.
We’ve all seen it and some may cast a disparaging eye towards the guy on the bicycle as well. This time however, the man on his bicycle respectfully removed his cap as the flag was being lowered. Someone, more than likely a homeless veteran who wouldn’t get a plug nickel or a second glance from the daily Avenue commuters, gave the flag of the United States of America the respect it deserves as it was lowered at sunset.
The Dog is humbled. To that unknown man who respected the flag, we owe you our thanks.