ROCKLAND — They say he might have rolled his eyes at having an affordable housing complex named after him, but they also say that if he were here today, he’d be right in the thick of this event’s preparation, assisting with flag placement so that each symbol of Marine pride floated proudly in the breeze.

The late Leroy “Flag Man” Peasley was honored by during a Veteran’s Day ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Color Guard, in the park area of the new 49-unit senior living community created by Developers Collaborative that also bears his name. The structure and the park are now known individually as Peasley Park. In the midst of the ceremony, Rockland and the City’s active attention toward affordable housing were also acknowledged.

The Peasley Park affordable housing project was funded using federal tax credits and a new State tax credit that was passed in 2020.

“These are boring things, but they allow housing, like what we see behind us, to happen,” Hannah Pingree, former Speaker of the House and current candidate for governor.

Boring, could not be said for Leroy “Roy” Elmer Peasley.

Mayor Penelope York described Peasley as having a big heart, a quick wit, and a deep love of this community. He was the Flag Man, the one who made sure Main Street was lined with flags for every holiday, every parade, and every occasion that called for a show of pride, “which was pretty much every day,” said York.

“He was a funny, bold man, and he was never afraid of making a spectacle of himself if it meant drawing attention to something that mattered,” she said. One example being the time he performed a love song for the city of Rockland during the Lobster Festival.

When it came to honoring veterans and celebrating the country that he loved, Peasley was always the first person to show up and the last to leave.

Serving as a marine in World War II, Peasley guarded President Franklin Roosevelt at Camp Shangri-La (now Camp David). He saw combat in Guam and at the Battle of Iwo Jima, and helped evacuate hundreds of wounded Marines aboard the USS Callaway.

He then returned to Maine, devoting himself to teaching and advocating for Rockland. Along the way, he met Kevin Bunker, a former student of Rockland’s Middle School. Bunker is the developer for Peasley Park, the 2.5 acre property set on previously undeveloped forest land. Peasley and Bunker formed a bond complete with lobster rolls, custard pie from Moody’s, and lasting memories when they paired for a trip with Honor Flight Maine. He was very proud of his service, though he hated the war, according to Bunker.

Now, instead of looking towards monuments in Washington D.C., visitors can find symbolism and representation of Peasley’s marine pride at Peasley Park, 118 Maverick Street. The dimensi of the park are exactly the same as the folded U.S. flag, according to Bunker. The trees on the lawn are in the same place as the stars on the flag. The granite octagon is the same proportions as the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington. Plaques about Peasley can be viewed, and a bench came from Swan’s Island granite – a place where Peasley spent some important years during his youth, according to Bunker.

“He’s honored that this is named after him,” said Bunker.

Hannah Pingree attended a meeting in Rockland a few weeks ago with community leaders, touring housing projects "and hearing about the incredible work happening here in this city,” she said.

“It is such an example for the rest of Maine," said Pingree. "Whether it is the AIO food pantry or Homeworthy or Habitat for Humanity, or even managing to have a local newspaper devoted to covering issues like housing, this community is something special.

“Rockland does not want to be a place that families and seniors and workers can’t afford to live in anymore,” she continued. “Which is frequently the case for some many folks in town. Watching Rockland not just talk the talk, but actually support housing in every way they can.”

Pingree said that everywhere she goes, she hears repeated statements that housing is one of the most urgent challenges facing the state today. Pingree referenced the economy, the healthcare system, and the workers who need housing that they can afford.

“Projects like this one shows that we can do it right,” she said. “We can build homes for Mainers, we can keep rent affordable, design energy-efficient buildings, and keep residents near the heart of this community.”

“Affordable housing wasn’t something that Peasley particularly understood," said Bunker, "but, he believed that everyone should have something.”

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com