by Michael Orelove, Vexilloid Tabloid #55
Long-time PFA member Michael Orelove is recovering from a medical emergency. We will miss having his good-natured enthusiasm at our meetings, and wish him a full and expeditious return to health. Here is a photo essay he put together for our most recent newsletter.
When I take a trip, I pack clean underwear, my toothbrush, and some flags. I also pick up more flags along the way. In October Kathleen and I took a 10-day cruise through New England and Canada on a Holland America ship.

Boston: Portland (Oregon) city flag…The Samuel Adams statue in Boston represents the Revolutionary patriot, clad in the citizen’s dress of the period, standing erect, with folded arms and a determined look in his finely-chiseled face. It’s a fitting backdrop for the Portland city flag, given that our last mayor was named Sam Adams.
I use the flags that I acquire on these trips, as well as those sent me by governments and other entities, when I give flag talks to school and community groups.