Called-up reservist honored for flying flag at repair shop: 40-year-old Lacey businessman 'proud' to raise Old Glory

Called-up reservist honored for flying flag at repair shop
40-year-old Lacey businessman 'proud' to raise Old Glory
CHRISTIAN HILL, THE OLYMPIAN
LACEY -- Ed Anwar's business bears the name of one flag, but his fierce loyalty lies with another.

The owner of the Boulevard Checkered Flag auto repair proudly flies Old Glory outside his business at 4207 Pacific Ave. S.E. and his Olympia home.

Anwar's pledge of allegiance to the flag drew the notice and appreciation of Olympia Detachment 482 of the U.S. Marine Corps League. Members were on hand to present Anwar with a plaque during a brief ceremony Friday.

The award comes right as Anwar, a U.S. Army reservist, is being called up for active duty. He accepted the plaque in full dress uniform.

"That's the dressing," said Kenneth Clark, the league's senior vice commandant. "We didn't expect that at all."

Anwar, 41, said he was delighted with the honor.

"I've flown the flag since I came to America," he said.

Anwar emigrated from Pakistan in 1981. He married his wife, Mary, and earned a bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College. He signed up as a reservist in 1987. The couple has two children.

The reservist said he also flew the flag for two years at his repair shop at the Boulevard Shell gas station.

Now he's readying to serve his country while reassuring people that his business will remain open during his assignment. Anwar declined to say what his destination and duties will be, citing security concerns.

Lacey Mayor Graeme Sackrison also was on hand for the ceremony. He services his car at Boulevard Checkered Flag, and Anwar mentioned the presentation to him recently.

"He works hard, and it's a challenge to run a small business with just a couple of employees," Sackrison said.

The local league has been recognizing businesses for flying the Stars and Stripes for the last 10 months. So far, it's presented about a half-dozen awards.

Clark's wife, Linda, noticed the flag a couple weeks ago, and he followed up with Anwar.

The reservist said he's thrilled to serve his country and wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'm darn proud," he said. "That's why I fly the flag, amigo."

Christian Hill covers the city of Lacey and the military for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5427 or at chhill@olympia.gannett.com