Celebrating Old Glory
Members of the Butler County Chapter KYSSAR presented the colors during the Flag Day Program held June 13 on the Butler County Courthouse lawn. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Story and Pictures by Beverly Bonilla
The Butler County Chapter of the DAR and SAR held their Flag Day Program on June 13th on the courthouse lawn with many of the community attending.
Jennifer White, Flag Chair with the DAR, opened the ceremony explaining that Flag Day is celebrated each year on June 14, and honors the adoption of the American Flag. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved the first official flag design with 13 stars and 13 red and white stripes. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916, and Congress officially designated it as National Flag Day in 1949.
The Presentation of Colors was presented by the Butler Chapter KYSSAR. Gail Gaddie presented the Invocation then followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was beautifully performed by Scarlett Fuller, Georgia Harrison, Embry Inman and Norah Lindsey
Speaker of the Day Allen White, a retired Western Kentucky University teacher of AP U.S. History and Politics & Government, focused his remarks on the significance of the Flag Day and America’s approaching 250th Anniversary. White said organizations such as the Daughter’s of the American Revolution and Son’s of the American Revolution play an important role in preserving the nation’s history through education, historic preservation, support for veterans, and community service.
He encouraged attendees to remember the sacrifices made by Revolutionary War patriots, noting that their courage and commitment to liberty helped establish a nation founded on freedom and self-government. White explained that the American flag symbolizes the unity, sacrifice and enduring promise of the United States, with its 13 stripes representing the original colonies and its stars representing the states united as one nation.
Among the historical facts he shared was the role of the 15-star, 15-stripe flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired the writing of the National Anthem. White noted that Kentucky was one of the two states represented by the additional stars on that flag.
He also highlighted the story of Robert “Bob” Heft, the 17-year-old student who designed the current 50-star American flag in 1958. White said Heft’s story demonstrates how ordinary citizens can make an extraordinary impact on American History. He concluded by reminding attendees that the flag belongs to every generation and that Americans honor those who come before them by preserving history, teaching patriotism, and remaining grateful for the freedoms secured by previous generations.
Bryan Pharris, Senior Vice Commander of the Morgantown VFW Post 5837, read aloud the poem “My Name Is Old Glory”. Lynda O’Driscoll, Regent of the Butler County Chapter NSDAR, said she was honored to be part of the DAR and grateful for its work in the community. Lynda also thanked everyone that attended the ceremony. Elaine Daugherty, Chaplin for the Green River Chapter of the NSDAR, presented the Benediction that brought the ceremony to a close.
