Capt.
Ralph Styles . . .
A true local treasure.
AS TOLD BY KATIE FLATH
The background of a gently setting Siesta Key sun framed the traditional nightly flag-lowering ceremony in front of retired Capt. Ralph Styles' house May 14.
With the help of his neighbors, family and curious spectators, Styles, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, honors the American flag and pays tribute to all who served in the many divisions of war service every night.
The circumstances were different on this occasion, however. More than 100 people were in attendance for the ceremony, which celebrated the annual crew reunion of the USS Sea Devil (SS-400).
Styles, who served as commander of the submarine during World War II, had a significant career during wartime and even witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"They were kids," he said, referring to his crew. "I was the old man, and I was 34." Now, at 97, he continues to remember the past by honoring veterans and the future.
Along with the traditional flag-lowering ceremonies, Styles has a quaint room in his home that he has dubbed the "I love me" room. This space is adorned with plaques, awards, photographs and war memorabilia that document his experience and service in the Navy.
Styles explained that the flag-lowering ceremonies began about 12 to 15 years ago after he erected a flagpole in his front yard. They started with a simple boom box that played a cassette tape of the bugle call "Taps."
The ceremony has since evolved into a slightly larger production. About a year ago, Styles added more people to his tradition. "Pretty soon the bugler showed up," he said. Shortly after, a drummer was added to the nightly ceremony.
The crowd had since grown as well. Friends, family, neighbors and curious tourists and spectators gather like clockwork for the event. "I do this for the veterans," Styles said. Nick Catsakis knows Styles by living in his neighborhood and by experiencing his devoted endeavors.
"You can't miss these ceremonies every night if you're patriotic," he said