First-time visitors to the Perry Performing Arts Center for Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies are often struck by the enormous U.S. flag that serves as the stage backdrop.[wpedon id=”82220″ align=”center”]
The 20′-by-30′ flag was presented to the students of Perry High School by the American Legion Post 85 on Veterans Day 2014 in memory of longtime Perry Police Department officer and Vietnam War veteran Paul A. Bales.
Bales was born June 21, 1950, and died Dec. 16, 2013. While in the service, he worked on the McDonnell Douglas F4C Phantom jet fighter-bomber.
“Still amazing to see it in all its glory at these events,” said Merrilee Bales of Perry, the widow of Paul Bales.
