District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, presented two donated flags to the Albert Lea Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard at Diana’s Diner on Oct. 9.

After hearing about the weathered condition of the Color Guard’s flags, Sparks decided to donate the flags in memory of Joe Carlin, his senator’s great uncle who served in World War II and who was a member of the Albert Lea VFW, according to a press release.

“It’s an honor to donate these flags in my great uncle’s memory,” Sparks said in a news release. “I am very grateful for the service and sacrifices our veterans have made for this country. This is the least I can do to thank the VFW for their past and current service to our community and nation.”