Patriotic displays added to Idaho Falls roundabout

Drivers caught a commemorative glimpse Monday afternoon turning into the roundabout on Lincoln and Hitt Road in Idaho Falls.

A flag-raising ceremony celebrates the completion of the roundabout dedicated to patriotism and appreciation for veterans within the community.

Roger Christenson, chairmen of the Bonneville County Chamber of Commerce said, “We knew we wanted to complete the roundabout with something elegant. We couldn’t think of anything. We thought maybe a landscaping project would be nice, but my wife made a suggestion to add an American flag. This is the perfect place to be viewed from all sides. We just thought it would be appropriate to raise it around the fourth of July.”​​​​​​​

The roundabout was finished this year and is centered with a flagpole that stands tall, with a pentagon-shaped monument containing a patriotic message.

Tom Lenderink has been Idaho Falls emergency management director for the past 10 years.

He served in the Henry’s Creek Fire and recently retired.

The city council wanted to honor Lenderink’s hard work and dedication to the city by having him be the first to raise the flag.

Lenderink said, “It was a great honor. For the county and the commissioner to recognize my service, not just the county but my 27 years as a police officer as well. I’m just deeply moved. It was a great privilege to be able to that.”