By Jane Bartnett

Flags representing the six branches of the U.S. armed forces fly on the beach at Patriot’s Point, along with flags honoring U.S. Special Operations Forces and the nation’s prisoners of war. The flags now fly higher than ever.

Newly installed flagpoles, each standing 15 feet tall, replaced the weathered 6-foot rebar poles that previously held the flags. The new poles were installed in late January.

At a sunset dedication ceremony on a brisk evening in early February, Siesta Key resident Thomas Modly, former U.S. Navy secretary and a retired Navy captain, watched as veterans representing their respective branches lowered the flags from the new poles.

Patriot’s Point director Wayne Bundy spoke about the significance of the flags and the veterans and civilians who gather each evening to witness the ceremony. He also expressed gratitude to Modly and the veterans who made the upgrade possible.

Modly donated funds for the flagpoles through proceeds from the sale of his book, “Vectors: Heroes, Villains and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy.” SRQ Vets, a local nonprofit veterans group, covered the cost of drilling.

Each evening at sunset, Bundy, veterans, visitors and residents gather on the beach at Patriot’s Point to play the national anthem, salute and lower the flags. The Armed Forces flag remains flying overnight and throughout the day. Each morning, Bundy returns to raise the flags.

The sunset ceremony at Patriot’s Point is held daily at sunset at 10 Beach Road.