The Shadow
The Stars and Stripes Celebration, sponsored by Clifton Forge Main Street, Inc., was held on Tuesday, June 14 at the Masonic Amphitheatre.
Blue skies, sunshine and a stage full of American flags. What a sight to behold! It was a picture-perfect day as the community gathered to honor this birthday of our National flag and the ideals and principles it represents. Bill Atherholt, Quartermaster VFW Post 1033 in Covington, welcomed everyone and Mayor Jeff Irvine followed with the invocaton. Alan Dale Craft sang America the Beautiful and later led the crowd in the singing of our National Anthem.
A presentation of 9 historic flags of our country was given by Domnique Washington, Scoutmaster, and Boy Scout Troop 2. Students from A1 Studios under the leadership of Amanda Burns assisted the scouts.
The following noteworthy flags were presented:
Sons of Liberty Flag, The Rebellious Stripes, – adopted in 1767
Bunker Hill Flag – The so-called New England Flag, flown at the Battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775
The Grand Union Flag – adopted December 3, 1775. Goes by many names.
The Hopkinson Flag – Adopted in 1777
The Star Spangled Banner Flag – or the Great Garrison Flag, flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. After seeing the flag flying on September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write a poem that later became our national anthem.
The 20 Star Flag – Flew from July 4, 1818 to July 3, 1819
The 34 Star Flag – Adopted 1861 with the admission of Kansas. Used until 1863 when West Virginia became a state.
The 46 Star Flag – July 4, 1908 Oklahoma was added to the union
The 48 Star Flag – In place for 47 years until 1959 when Alaska and Hawaii were added.
There has never been a finer-looking group of young people presenting these flags to the public as the story of each flag was told. Bill Atherholt read “I am the Flag” and Richard Erskine from VFW Post 4299 presented our current 50-star American Flag.
The Army was also celebrating its birthday on June 14th. Skip McMullen, US Ary veteran brought in the Army flag as part of the ceremony.
Israel Washington from Boy Scout Troop 2 led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and then followed that with an explanation of the pledge.
The service was followed by a picnic and birthday cake on the Amphitheatre grounds. It was a great day to pay tribute to the American Flag and all it represents.
Thank you Clifton Forge Main Street, Inc. for all you do for our community.
