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Leaning flagpole straightened for Korean War hero
18 Jul
Summary
- A leaning flagpole at the University Club was straightened this month.
- Renovations honor Lee Walker, a Korean War veteran and local electrician.
- The project was a community effort involving local businesses and organizations.
The leaning flagpole at St. Paul's University Club, a prominent landmark, has been straightened as part of a renovation project. This significant improvement is a gift in memory of Lee Walker, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War who passed away in May at the age of 93.
The project was inspired by Walker's son, Todd Walker, during a trip to Seoul. He experienced profound gratitude from South Koreans for his father's service, a sentiment that contrasted with the "Forgotten War" label in the U.S.
Numerous local businesses and organizations, including DirtworX, Master Electric Co., and American Legion Post 521, collaborated to straighten the pole, install lighting, and prepare for a U.S. flag and memorial plaque. A rededication ceremony is planned for August.
Lee Walker, who served in the Korean War and later worked as an electrician, had always been bothered by the leaning flagpole. His sons, Todd and Chris Walker, initiated the memorial project to honor his memory and his tradesman background.
