OUR MOST PRECIOUS SYMBOL - STORIES FROM THE LAKE
Being assigned this week two Flag Day stories to cover, it was a great opportunity to be able to look at our nation’s symbol of freedom in a different light.
The first story involved the Willliamson Elementary School and the presentation of a new flag to the school by members of the American Legion.
I wish I had been able to take a picture of the look on the face of both the presenter, Commander Dominick and the two designated fourth graders. He stood tall, bending proudly at the waist, to hand over a brand new flag, crisp and folded neatly, into the hands of Michala Youngman and Nathan Courier. One face represented the pride of transferring such an awesome responsibility, and the others were filled with sincerity in which they received it, with solemn gratitude that it was presented.
We don’t think much about the flag that flies above us everyday, be it on school grounds, restaurants, airports and other public buildings. We take for granted it will always be there, a reassuring blanket of freedom, engulfing us silently as we go along our day to day lives, a welcome friend when we travel abroad.
Rarely do we give thought to the fact it is sometimes used as a shroud for the fallen, a reminder to thank those families who have given their ultimate sacrifice.
I am sure the children did not pick up any of those feelings that day, except they knew it was important and a traditional ceremony worth repeating every year.
The second story was about Retiring the Colors, a ceremony performed every Flag Day by the American Legion. As the men stood at attention, they watched reverently as the dismantled flags were burned in silence.
I have to admit I never thought about this procedure until today, witnessing first hand the sincerity of the caregivers and the process of making sure it was done with pride and honor. What an awesome responsibility!
Patriotism is alive and well in Williamson. I hope we all fly our flags daily, and salute them with the respect they so justly deserve.
I learned a lot that day; how proud I am to be an American, and to watch the care and tending of our most precious, treasured symbol.
My father, my brother, my husband and my son have all served in the military under this great flag, and they all returned to me safe.
I will never again take it for granted.
