June 14, 2017 - Flag Day was recognized and celebrated at the City of Center’s Senior Citizen Center on Wednesday, July 14, 2017 with VFW Post 8904 members and Auxiliary members installing new American and Texas flags.
Post Quartermaster Larry Hume welcomed everyone attending which included Shelby County Outreach Ministries Executive Director Sherry Harding, workers at the Senior Nutrition Site, and members of the community.
Hume said, “During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating that 'the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white' and that 'the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field.' The National flag, became known as the 'Stars and Stripes,' according to legend, Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross designed the new design for the stars and stripes, which consisted of a circle of 13 stars and a blue background, at the request of General George Washington. Historians have been unable to conclusively prove or disprove this legend. With the addition of new states into the United States after independence, new stripes and stars were added to represent new additions to the Union. In 1818, however, Congress enacted a law stipulating that the 13 original stripes be restored and that only stars be added to represent new states. On June 14, 1877, the first flag day observance was held on the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the stars and stripes. In 1949 congress officially designated June 14 as Flag Day, a national day of observance. And here we are 140 years after the first Flag Day and I am proud to be here.”
Chaplain Cynthia Islas lowered the colors and Jr. Vice Jason Samford removed the American Flag, presenting it to Post Commander Gene Hutto and Senior Vice Newton Johnson, Jr. who then folded it. Service Officer/Trustee John Piersol handed the new American Flag and Texas Flag to Samford to attach to the flag pole. With a salute, Islas hoisted the colors.
Following the hoisting of the flags, everyone adjourned inside the Senior Citizen Center for lunch.
The current flag pole was donated by the Post and Auxiliary with a dedication held on June 13, 2014 in memory of Pam White who passed away in April 29, 2014 and was the executive director of Shelby County Outreach Ministries from 1995-2014.
Thanks to the Center ISD’s high school CT Counselor Alease Copelin and the school's Flags to Fight Hunger initiative, the American Flag was seen flying all over Center in local neighborhoods and businesses for Flag Day as well as other major patriotic holidays. The program, launched on Veteran’s Day 2014, was a way to show support for our country while feeding hungry children. Flag partners can join the program at any time. Interested businesses or home owners can contact CHS and ask to speak with Alease Copelin, Counselor.
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