Ridgefield man runs a long way to present flag

Ridgefield — Army Sgt. 1st Class Dave Sivewright, 51, ran more than 2,000 miles carrying an American flag. His journey included leading this year’s Ridgefield Fourth of July Parade and the Salt Lake City Half Marathon on April 17. During a leave of absence at home in Ridgefield during the Labor Day weekend, Sivewright presented the flag to his friend, Darren Wertz, a Ridgefield city councilman and founding commander of Ridgefield American Legion Post 44, on the steps of Ridgefield City Hall during the First Friday events Sept. 2. Wertz, who is stationed in Salt Lake City, said it is an honor on behalf of Ridgefield and hometowns across this country for the city to receive this symbol of the nation and the dedication of one man, a neighbor in uniform. Sivewright said the run was an intense-but-rewarding 2,000 miles, and that he plans to continue to carry the colors as long as he can. Bruce Crocket, current commander of Post 44, said he will build a display case for flag.