The flag outside Battle Ground City Hall flew at half-staff on Friday, Sept. 18, as the city honored the life and memory of Trent Richardson, a Battle Ground teenager whose death left a deep impact on his family, friends and others who knew him.
Battle Ground Mayor Eric Overholser said the decision to lower the flag was intended as a public recognition of Richardson and the effect he had on the community.
“I just think it was important to recognize and honor the memory of that young man, Trent Richardson,” Overholser said. “The impact he had on our community, the impact that his passing had on his family, his friends, and all of us.”
Overholser said he had the opportunity to know Richardson personally and remembered him as a young man who made an impression on those around him.
“And just getting the opportunity to get to know Trent personally, he was a great young man, and he'd just gone too soon,” Overholser said.
The half-staff flag served as the centerpiece of a ceremony at city hall, where Overholser addressed those gathered before JROTC cadets presented the flag and a moment of silence was observed early in the morning.
“Today, as we gather around our flag at Battle Ground City Hall, we come together to honor the memory of Trent,” Overholser said during the ceremony. “The city of Battle Ground is flying our flag at half-staff today. This is a solemn symbol of our respect, our mourning and our gratitude for a life that touched those around him.”
Overholser said the flag also represented the community coming together to support Richardson's loved ones during a difficult time.
“As we observe it at half-staff today, we pause to remember Trent and to stand with his loved ones during this difficult time,” he said. “When the flag is raised again, may it remind us that although we mourn Trent's passing, his memory and the impact he made will remain with those who knew and loved him.”
Richardson's parents, Corey and Kelly Richardson, said they were grateful for the support shown to their family following their son's passing.
“We're both humbled and honored by the love that's been shown for our son and our family,” they said.
The tribute carried particular meaning for Richardson's family because of his connection to the city.
“Trent loved the city of Battle Ground. It's a very special way to honor him,” Kelly Richardson said.
The morning ceremony concluded with Overholser extending the city's condolences to Richardson's family and friends before the JROTC cadets proceeded with the remainder of the ceremony and a moment of silence.
“On behalf of the city of Battle Ground, I extend our deepest condolences to Trent's family, to his friends, and all those who are grieving the loss,” Overholser said. “May we remember Trent with respect, honor his memory, and continue to stand together as a community.”
The half-staff flag offered a visible reminder throughout the day of a community mourning Richardson while honoring the mark he left on those around him.
At 5 p.m. on Sept. 18, the flag was lowered and folded by city staff and presented to the Richardson family in a special display case.
Richardson, 18, died from a gunshot wound during the early morning hours on Saturday, Aug. 15, after a handgun discharged at Hockinson Meadows Community Park in Brush Prairie.
