A new flag raised at Highline Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 9, brought tears to the eyes of Keith Tonkin, Dianna Leppa’s 90-year-old father and a Marine veteran whose family donated it in his honor.
Leppa said her family offered to replace the stadium’s aging flag after noticing it was ready to be retired. Her daughter attends Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, whose Lancers play their home football games there.
“He’s always been very patriotic and has loved watching me sing the anthem over the years for the Seahawks, Mariners, and even Sonics back in the day,” Leppa said of her father.
Local residents may also recognize Leppa from her national anthem performances at parades and other community events.
Tonkin graduated from Renton High School and joined the Marines with his buddies, Leppa said. After returning, he helped start the first Taco Time in White Center with her grandfather. The franchise remains predominantly family-owned, she said.
The flag holds special meaning for the family, making its replacement a personal tribute to Tonkin at a place connected to his granddaughter’s school.
“My Dad (now 90) had tears in his eyes when it was raised yesterday,” Leppa said.
