Rescued Flag, a Symbol of Hurricane Helene Response Finds a Home

When Tropical Storm Helene barreled through Western North Carolina in September 2024, the storm claimed lives and forever changed others. A few days after the storm, Chris Melton, who is the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Chief, and the Lake Lure Deputy Fire Chief received an American flag recovered from the Rocky Broad River. Pulled from the debris-strewn river, the flag became a symbol to responders of the unwavering perseverance of the community and its citizens.