The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – The Clifton Forge Annual Flag Day celebration was held June 14 at the Historic Masonic Amphitheatre sponsored by the Stars and Stripes Committee of Clifton Forge Main Street.
Bill Atherholt welcomed the attendees and introduced Clifton Forge Mayor, Jeff Irvine. Bill Atherholt is the past CFMS treasurer and Quartermaster of VFW Post 1033 in Covington, Virginia.”
Mayor Jeff Irvine opened the celebration with the following remarks: “Good afternoon, everyone – fellow citizens, friends and patriots, we gather today on this flag day to celebrate a powerful symbol of our nation, the stars and stripes. This flag, its vibrant colors and enduring design represents more
than just a piece of cloth. It embodies the very essence of our country and ideals we hold dear.
It’s a day to reflect on the history it carries and to honor the sacrifices made by those who have fought and continue to fight to protect its principles of liberty and justice for all. Our flag is a reminder of the values our nation was founded upon. As we celebrate Flag Day today, let us strive to make our
nation even stronger and more just. May our flag always be a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity for all Americans. Thank you for joining us today and God bless America”.
Invocation was given by Rev. Tom McHenry who is a member of the Burnside-Carpenter VFW Post 4299 in Clifton Forge.
To put us in a patriotic mood, David Cosier sang God Bless the USA”. Great job, David.
Bill Atherholt reminded the audience why we were here: “We are here today to learn and think about America’s Flag Day. The idea of Flag Day originated in the New York state school system in 1885.
Inspired by three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day was officially established by the proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. In August 1949, then president Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year a National Flag Day. So, it is
June 14, 2025, and we are here to observe National Flag Day in Clifton Forge, Virginia.
The idea of resurrecting a Flag Day ceremony in Clifton Forge surfaced 16 years ago by Dr. Jack Backels, retired president of Dabney S Lancaster Community College. Jack’s goal in having a Flag Day was three-fold…… to educate, celebrate and entertain. That is what I hope we can accomplish
today on this 248th birthday of the congressional adoption of the design of our current flag of the United States of America.
Over the last 250 years, our country has created and displayed a great number of flags to show the growth of our country and to show the mood of the people at that time”
Darrel Hix, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 2 in Clifton Forge and Amanda Burns, owner of A-1 Studio, scouts and dancers presented some of the historic flags of the United States. Scout members were Ezra Smart, Evan Hix, Israel Washington, Kenny Sprouse and James Quantz (James received his Eagle Scout badge). A-1 Studio flag presenters were Lily Burns Aiden Dunbar. Lennox McRoy, Sophia Veras, Aaliyah Saville, Autumn West and Lexie Boyd.
Flag #1 – Sons of Liberty Flag – The Sons of Liberty was the name of secret patriotic society organized in the American Colonies in1765 to oppose the Stamp Act.
Flag #2 – Bunker Hill Flag – The American Revolution began on April 19, 1775. During the siege, before the 13 colonies assumed control of the area, a flag with a white pine tree in the upper left corner was used by the colonial militias at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Flag #3 – The Grand Union Flag – As our colonial militia became better organized throughout the colonies it became necessary to have a national flag for them to carry. That flag became known as the Grand Union Flag. Sometimes called the Cambridge Flag.
Flag #4 – The Hopkinson Flag – The flag is named for the designer, Francis Hopkinson. Journals show that he designed this flag with an arrangement of 13 six-pointed stars. The official flag for our country from June 14, 1777, until May 1, 1795. During the time this flag was in use, George
Washington was the only president to serve.
Flag #5 – The Star-Spangled Banner – The 15-star flag became the official national flag on May 1. 1795. Two stars and two stripes were added to represent Vermont and Kentucky. It was the only flag with more than 13 stripes and was to last 23 years. It is the flag immortalized by Francis Scott Key during the bombardment of Fort Henry on September 13, 1814, when he wrote the words that became our National Anthem.
Flag #6 – The 20 Star Flag – In 1818, five more states – Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana. Indiana and Mississippi became a part of the Union, and a new national flag was approved.
Flag #7 – The 34 Star Flag – With the admission of Kansas into the Union in January 1861, we now had 34 states in the Union. A new flag was created including the same 13 red and white stripes and 34 white stars in the canton. Only used for two years until July 4, 1863, when West Virginia was
added as 35th state.
Flag #8 – The 46 Star Flag – Oklahoma was admitted to the Union on July 4, 1908, as 46th state.
During that period of time well-known “Rough Rider” Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt was our president. Many immigrants to our country in the late 1800s and early 1900s purchased this flag and used it in celebrations on the 4th of July.
Flag #9 – The 48 Star Flag – On June 24, 1912, President William Howard Taft, by executive order, standardized the National Flag. With the addition of two more states, New Mexico and Arizona, the newly standardized 48-star flag became our National Flag on July 4, 1912. This flag would remain
in place until July 4, 1959.
Flag #10 – The 49 Star Flag – Alaska was admitted to the Union January 3, 1959, and the National flag with the addition of the 49th star was first flown on July 4, 1959. Statehood was granted to Hawaii on August 21. 1959. The same year as statehood was granted to Alaska but seven months
later and, after July 4th, the first 50-star flag was not flown until July 4, 1960.
Flag #11 – The Alaska State Flag – First flown July 4, 1959. The blue represents the sky, the sea, the mountain lake and Alaska’s wildflowers. The seven stars in the shape of Ursa Major, also known as The Great Bear or The Big Dipper, represents strength. The North Star represents Alaska, our
northernmost state.
David Oeljten, United States Army veteran, presented the 50-star Flag of the United States of America, our current flag. Boy Scout, Israel Washington, gave an explanation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of allegiance was recited at this time followed by David Crosier leading in the singing of our National Anthem.
Jenny Oeltjen, United States Army, presented the Army flag in celebration of their 250th birthday.
Bill Atherholt closed the presentation with some tips for flag etiquette:
The flag never touches the ground
Raising and lowering the flag on a pole so the flag is flying vertically
Honoring the flag in a parade – stand and salute or hand over heart as the color guard passes.
Disposing of the flag – VFW Post 1033 is always available to receive and dispose of flags in the proper manner.
The Rev. Tom McHenry closed in prayer and refreshments and cakes celebrating our flag and the 250th birthday of the US Army were served in the Masonic Theatre underground.
Long wave Old Glory.
Marian Paxton photos
