Beech Tree News Network

"If you asked 100 random citizens when is Flag Day, probably only about 10 or 15 could tell you that it’s June 14th. Today, the banks are open, the mail will run, you won’t see advertisements for special at retail stores. It’s just a normal, working day for most Americans," said Lynda Tyree during her opening remarks at the Butler County Chapter NSDAR Flag Day Program.

Tyree continued, "Although Flag Day is not celebrated as a Federal holiday, Americans everywhere continue to honor the history and heritage of the United States of America which is symbolized by our flag. For almost one hundred years now, our country has observed June 14th as Flag Day. The flag was actually approved as a symbol for our new nation on June 14, 1777, but it wasn’t until 1916 that it became a national observance, with a proclamation signed by the President Woodrow Wilson."

Tyree, a counselor at Morgantown Elementary, was the keynote speaker. Regent Lynda Knight opened the program followed by the Pledge to the Flag led by Lois Russ, Flag Chairman, and Cub Scout Dillon Salings.  Doug Odle sung the National Anthem and Georgia Laverne Romans gave the invocation.  

We would like to share the rest of Mrs. Tyree’s remarks with our readers:

"It’s our human nature to take for granted our privileges until they are threatened. When things are going good, we seldom stop to think WHY they are going good. But when our freedoms are threatened, that’s when Americans realize how valuable a gift we have been given.

Over the past 235 years, our flag has been a symbol of freedom wherever it flies. It’s really just a piece of colored material, but it symbolizes so much more. The flag is a reminder of who we are. It inspires hope in people suffering under tyranny or terror. It welcomes immigrants from every land searching for a better life. And it rallies our nation in times of conflict and crisis. But, as I said, when things are going good, we, as humans, tend to give little notice to our flag and what it represents, but just a short decade ago, I remember how 9/11 changed that for our country, our state, and especially right here in Butler County. Our patriotic roots run deep here, and that time in our history was no exception. You saw the flag everywhere and it inspired a feeling of pride and determination whenever you saw it. Do you remember our Veterans Day Parade that year? 2001? It was the greatest participation and the biggest crowd we’ve had since I can remember!

Today, our flag is hung proudly in homes, businesses, and our schools. Every day that Butler County schools are in session, students throughout our country stand at attention and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. It hangs proudly during basketball games, football games, parades, and programs. It’s a constant reminder of the sacrifices that have been made, but even more so, it’s a reminder of our unity as a country, and our commitment to stand together against anything that jeopardizes that unity.

We all realize that significance of placing our hand on a bible and swearing an oath to 'tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.' But do we also realize when we place our hand over our heart, we are also making an oath . . . a promise of our faithfulness and support for American ideals.

Throughout history our flag has been the symbol of our determination. When Francis Scott Key saw it flying over Fort McHenry in 1814, he knew that liberty would persevere. That same faith was affirmed by Marines who planted the flag at Iwo Jima, and by the heroes of 9/11, who raised and saluted the flag at Ground Zero.

By showing respect for our flag, we show reverence for the ideals that guide our nation. And we show appreciation for the men and women who have served and sacrificed in defense of the ideals—from the early patriots of the Continental Congress to the members of our military defending freedom around the world today.

From Memorial Day in May, to Flag Day in June, and Independence Day in July, to Veterans Day in November, and many days in between, we have reminders of the reasons for our freedom.

Thank you for taking advantage of one of those reminders, by being here today, and taking time out of your day to stop and remember all that the flag represents. God had certainly blessed America, and as we continue to uphold His values and submit to His guidance, I pray that God would continue to bless our great nation."