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CLEAR Temp: 65 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Friday, July 4, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend July 2, 2003 Vietnam veteran Michael Gay has decorated his Grape Street yard with 75 U.S. flags in honor of Independence Day. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Starry-eyed about America Veteran Michael Gay is unashamedly patriotic in his yard decor, but keeps politics out of it By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune Michael Gay is unabashedly red, white and blue. With Independence Day looming on the patriotic horizon, the Medford resident has gone for the glory. Old Glory, that is. He has posted 75 American flags along his front fence and driveway. Patriotic bunting hangs from his carport on both sides of a large flag. A star-spangled Uncle Sam hat streaming red, white and blue ribbons dangles from a limb over the driveway. Advertisement "I’ve just always been patriotic," said Gay, 52, a former Marine wounded in Vietnam, as he stood along a large propane tank featuring a 13-star flag of the original colonies. "I painted that when I first rented the place," he said. Originally hailing from Seattle, Gay moved to the Rogue Valley in the late 1990s to be near his daughter and 7-year-old grandson. He owns Michaelvania, a custom woodworking shop in Medford. His patriotism is rooted in the Seattle area, where his father spent part of his career in the Coast Guard. "My fondest memories growing up was every year on the Fourth of July when we went to the annual Coast Guard party," he recalled. "They were always a major kick in the (pants). "Fruit salad, potato salad, lots of hamburgers, lots of hot dogs and big T-bone steaks," he said. "Those T-bone steaks. Wow!" For him, the Fourth of July simply means it’s time for Americans to accentuate the patriotic positive. Although Gay carries battle wounds from Vietnam, he has determined not to let that experience scar his life. Discharged June 4, 1970, he took up custom woodworking after going to college, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in art. He stresses that he considers himself a custom woodworker, not a Marine Corps veteran. He also has battle scars from his work: The four fingers on his left hand were shortened by power equipment. "They don’t get in the way anymore," he quipped. "Although I have to admit, I find myself a little shorthanded in the shop. But I can’t quite put a finger on why that is." Laughing, he will tell you, is better than crying. Gay has met plenty of what he describes as "professional vets" still marking time in the service. Never mind that they were discharged years ago. "All they talk about is Vietnam this, Vietnam that," he said. "These guys can remember every day they were there. Either that, or they made it up — most likely the latter." The salute to American flags this time of year reflects his artistic interest. But not every ornament in his Grape Street yard has a patriotic message. Some are pure whimsy. Take the flag flying the pirate’s skull and crossbones. Or the red tricycle parked on the tiny lawn. "That goes along with this," he said, rolling up his left T-shirt sleeve to reveal a tattoo of a red trike. "That was my first biker tattoo," he said. A small covered wagon atop two old wheels that turn in the wind is pointed due west. "I call that, ‘Go West Young Man,’ " he said. Somewhere, Horace Greeley must be smiling. What about the painting of Geronimo holding a rifle on the wall of the shop adjoining the carport? "Just for the hell of it," he said. In the carport, his 1979 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which he bought new, is ready to hit the blue highway. An American flag flies from the handlebar. "I don’t care to talk much on the political side of things," Gay said when asked about his perspective on world events. "But for the children that are coming up now, this must be a very terrifying world. "I’ve seen as much as I wanted of the world at its worst," he added. Now he wants to take time to appreciate the good times when they come along. Come the Fourth, he plans to take an elderly neighbor to the local fireworks. "I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my entire life," he said. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Rogue Valley Fourth of July events Here’s a quick list of Fourth of July events planned in the Rogue Valley. A complete list will appear in Friday’s Tempo. Medford: A fireworks celebration, "Red, White and Boom!" will begin at 7 p.m. at Miles Field. There’ll be music and other entertainment, food and games until the fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. Fireworks also are planned at Southern Oregon Speedway in the Jackson County Sports Park. Ashland: After breakfast at the Elks Lodge and a run in the morning, a parade begins at 9:15 a.m. at Triangle Park. It heads north on Siskiyou Boulevard to Main Street at Water Street. Concerts and booths are planned afterward in Lithia Park; the city’s fireworks display begins at 10 p.m., preceded by the American Band College concert at 8 p.m. at the Ashland High School stadium. Central Point: Following the annual Pancake Breakfast, the parade begins at 10 a.m. and heads down Pine Street to Seventh Street before ending past Robert Pfaff Park, where booths will be set up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No fireworks are planned. Eagle Point: Breakfast and a fun run start the day, followed by booths and music at Bob Moore Park. The parade begins at 1 p.m., capped by lawn mower races, water wars, entertainment in the beer garden and children’s activities in Mattie Brown Park. The fireworks celebration begins at 7 p.m. at the Eagle Point High School stadium, with the show at dusk. Butte Falls: The parade begins at 11 a.m., with games and booths afterward in the park. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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