Offbeat Postcripts is a series of short posts where we cover small topics of offbeat history in Northern Virginia.
By Matthew T. Eng, Offbeat NOVA
There is a flagpole in the middle of a garden and brick path in the desirable Montclair neighborhood in Dumfries, VA. A small set of benches sit nearby like restful sentries waiting for neighborhood residents to take in the patriotic tableau in quiet reflection. The small area is located directly in front of the Montclair Property Owners Association, Inc. The flagpole, unassuming in its position off the road near the busy intersection of Waterway Drive and Cardinal Drive, is even more mysterious in its true purpose.
A Blue Star Memorial marker shows the location as a “tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America.” On the brick path leading up to the flag are the names and short messages of Montclair residents who have served in foreign wars and conflicts from World War II to the present day. It’s a nice way to honor the men and women who lived locally but served globally.
If that was the real reason why the flagpole was there, we would certainly not be covering it here for Offbeat NOVA. There are countless flagpoles and Blue Star Memorial markers around the region with similar stories and purposes.
This one is different.
Resting on the ground on the opposite end of the flagpole is a small rock, largely obstructed by some of the overgrown grass on its edges. The inscription highlights the true reason why the flagpole was erected:
“DEDICATED TO THE BRAVE MONTCLAIR RESIDENTS WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY IN
OPERATION DESERT STORM.
JULY 4, 1991”
The flagpole was dedicated in 1991 in honor of those who served in Operation Desert Storm. What is most interesting is the date it was dedicated: July 4, 1991. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense.
One of the things I can remember about the Gulf War was the overwhelming sense of patriotism Americans felt for those fighting in the Middle East. Although the Cold War ended that year, the one big moment that stands out for me was Operation Desert Storm. I had a relative who served over there during the conflict and it was a big deal for my family to show our support. I remember the ticker tape parades. The trading cards. The patriotic songs. Dedicating the Montclair Veterans Flagpole on Independence Day, only four months removed from the end of the brief war, is a testament to the patriotic fervor many felt back home. Although 650,000 Americans served in the Gulf War region between 1990-1991, there are not many monuments to it today, even if plans are supposedly underway to create a national memorial up the road in Washington, D.C.
Now that we are currently in the thirtieth anniversary of the conflict, we felt it was the perfect offbeat anecdote to the United States’ Cold War farewell tour.
If you happen to be in Dumfries, VA, stop by this unassuming flagpole. Who knows. Maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll want to live there. Judging by the location of it, you’re already halfway there.
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