The Thomson Housing Authority held its inaugural Flag Presentation Education ceremony in the community center on Friday, June 14, in conjunction with Flag Day.
Following a moment of silence "to honor the fallen soldiers and those who gallantly defend our country," members of the Warrenton American Legion #96 made a presentation on the history of the American flag and rules for proper display.
"It represents a living country, and is itself considered a living thing," Post Commander Lavern McCullough said in his speech, citing U.S. Code, Title 36, Chapter 10. "It is the flag of all of us alike. Let us accord it in honor and loyalty."
Service Officer Tom Brady said the American flag is the third oldest flag of national standards of the world. He explained the meaning behind the colors of the flag, saying red represents valor, zeal and fervency, the white is for hope, purity and cleanliness of life, and blue is for loyalty, vigilance and perseverance.
"It is unique from others in the world in its message of national independence, idealism and patriotism," he said.
Following their presentations, the four American Legion members ceremoniously folded the flag while Carolyn Andrews, the Housing Authority tenant services representative, told what each fold represents.
"We hope this will encourage you to display the flag at your homes, not only on national holidays, but every day," Community Service Volunteer Steve Ballenger said at the end of the ceremony.
For more information on flag protocol, visit http://www.suvcw.org/flag.htm or http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html or http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette-display.shtml.
