If you’ve driven between Powell and Cody, you’ve likely noticed Gary Graber’s American flag mural. Painted across the whole side of a barn facing Wyo. Highway 14 West is the American flag with a bald eagle gazing proudly in front of it. 

On Flag Day in June, the Big Horn Basin Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) presented Gary Graber with a Flag Appreciation Award.

The award is given annually on Flag Day to a person or organization that has shown exemplary patriotism in the display of the flag of the United States.

The mural was painted about 14 or 15 years ago. On the left side of the mural is a dedication to Gary Graber’s uncles: Art Fred, John and Ed, and Gary’s brothers John and Paul — as well as all veterans.

Graber designed the mural himself. He took a photo of a flag waving in the wind and a photo of one of the rescued bald eagles that Susan Ahalt, also known as the “bird lady,” had under the care of her organization, Ironside Bird Rescue. 

Graber’s daughter, Lindsay Lohrenz helped to create a graphic of the two images, and Graber penciled the design on the side of his barn. He did some of the painting and then had someone touch up the colors on it. 

Not only is it a tribute to the flag and veterans who have served this country, it was a Father’s Day gift to Graber’s late father, John, who served on D-Day. 

John Graber was coming out to visit a couple of days after Father’s Day. Gary and his siblings told the elder Graber they had a card for him that wouldn’t fit in the mail. When they showed him the mural, Gary Graber said his father was very touched by the tribute. 

“I think it was the first time I saw my dad get a big ol’ tear in his eye,” he  said. 

He’s since done some refurbishing over the years to keep it looking vibrant, and it appears much like it did 15 years ago. 

Graber served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War, but his unit was never deployed. He downplays the significance of his service, which he admits earns him some rebuke from other veterans who tell him veterans should be proud, even if they never saw active combat. 

“The SAR congratulates Mr. Graber on his award and the excellent community service he has provided,” said Keith Francik, president of the Big Horn Basin Chapter of the SAR. 

The chapter is Wyoming’s first organized local chapter and serves residents in Park, Big Horn, Washakie and Hot Springs counties.

The National SAR is the largest male lineage organization in the United States, consisting of nearly 600 local chapters and several international societies. 

Members are male descendants of those who served or gave aid to the Patriot cause during the American Revolution, and they are dedicated to perpetuating American ideals and traditions, as well as protecting the Constitution. 

Any man interested in membership may contact Francik at 307-587-5748.