Unique flagpole draws visitors, makes statement

Bill Sutherland and a number of customers and friends constructed this gun flagpole in front of his hardware and flooring store in Cloverdale.

CLOVERDALE -- A 22-foot flagpole with American and POW-MIA flags flying high from it greets patrons of Bill's Hardware and Flooring Store.

What makes this flagpole unique?

It has been constructed in the shape of a rifle. Hardware store owner Bill Sutherland came up with the idea. He would discuss it with other people and the idea eventually began to take shape.

Cloverdale residents who are customers, employees, family and friends of the Sutherlands pitched in time, materials and skills to make the gun flagpole a community project.

"Each day people would stop by to see the progress and work being done," said Sutherland.

The pole took its place in front of the store about a week ago.

"The best thing about having this thing in front of my business is having people from all around stop by to say how they like it and take pictures," added Sutherland.

From the elderly veteran, who came in with a grin on his face to say, "That flag pole is cool," to the little girl standing outside with her hand over heart trying to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the best of her ability, Sutherland said, "They are all special."

However, this pole is not just any ordinary pole -- by shape or meaning.

"It is a memorial to all veterans who gave their all; it's a symbol of appreciation to those who have served or are currently serving to protect American's freedom. It stands for a love of God, the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the right to bear arms," stated Sutherland.

While the construction of the gun-shaped pole took place, Sutherland said his late uncle, Pvt. First Class Bud Jones, was on his mind because Jones loved his country and what the American flag stood for.

Sutherland and his wife Madonna have enjoyed the visitors who have already come to their store to see the unique pole. They are often asked, when not too busy, to take photos of families or individuals standing beside it.

Their hope is Cloverdale residents and the surrounding communities feel as if this is their flagpole.

To see this rare-shaped flagpole, Bill's Hardware is located at 1 Pickens Drive or just north of Value Market.

A patent on the flagpole is pending.