Avenue of Flag organizer recovering from amputation; Knudtson calls for 'huge turnout' on Flag Day today

Former Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson is calling for a "huge turnout" today for a ceremony at the Avenue of Flags at Cape Girardeau County Park North to celebrate Flag Day and remember his brother-in-law and retired Navy captain, David Cantrell, who recently had his leg amputated.

Cantrell was riding his motorcycle when he was injured in a traffic crash Sunday evening. He was airlifted to St. Louis University where doctors amputated his left leg below the knee.

Knudtson said Cantrell has been the "mastermind" behind the Avenue of Flags, which honors the area's deceased veterans. The Avenue of Flags consists of more than 700 American flags, which are displayed several times a year. "This is his event," the former mayor said.

Knudtson said volunteers will be erecting the flags at 6 a.m. today. There are enough volunteers to put up the flags.

But Knudtson, in a Facebook post, encouraged volunteers to show up to help take down the flags, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Upon retiring the flags, a short ceremony will be held, featuring brief comments, prayer and the singing of the national anthem, he posted.

"Please, let's have a huge turn out to show Capt. Cantrell that we have his back while he recovers," Knudtson wrote.

Cantrell remains hospitalized, but Knudtson said the family hopes he will be able to return home soon.

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