Remembering the flag and what it symbolizes
The Daily Mail
June 15, 2009, online

DURHAM - Members of two Greene County Elk Lodges, scout troops and veterans, as well as servicemen and servicewomen gathered Sunday in Durham to celebrate Flag Day.

Exalted Ruler Barbara Squires of Cairo-Durham Lodge 2630, Maggie Good, exalted ruler of Catskill Lodge 2630, and their lodge officers guided the audience through the history of the American Flag from the Pine Tree Flag, used during the time of the American Revolution, to the current flag, bearing 13 stripes and 50 stars, representing every stage of nationhood from the Thirteen Colonies to a country of 50 states.

“The evolution of the American Flag marks the progression of the American government,” Trustee and past Exalted Ruler George Olsen, of the Cairo-Durham Lodge, said.

He was assisted by members of Boy Scout Troop 43, who paraded each flag before the audience.

After the history was completed, members of the American Legion fired a salute and a trumpeter sounded “Taps,” while the Greene County Marine Corps League stood by. Members of the Civil Air Patrol served as color guard as well.

Greene County Sheriff Greg Seeley gave a response to the parade of flags, saying he does not know why the flag is less visible today than it was in the months after Sept. 11.

But now, he said, it seems to be Elks, veterans and their families who celebrate Flag Day and who know the meaning behind the flag’s colors.

“Let us realize that the meaning today is the same as it was on Sept. 11, 2001 just the same as it was July 4, 1776,” he said.

In his address, State Assemblyman Pete Lopez, R,C,I-Schoharie, said that the evolution of the flag represented the progression of American culture as well as American government.

He said the flag continues to be tested but that the ideals it symbolizes still exist.

“The United States is still the land of the free and the home of the brave,” he said.

He said the flag is still a symbol of freedom across the world and a symbol of unity in the face of aggression. It is an expression of respect for fallen soldiers and of comfort to mourning families.

“Our flag, flying proudly,” he said, “[shows that] as Americans, we have the ability to overcome great challenge and great adversity.”

During the ceremony, the lodge recognized Hanna Verhoeven, Rebecca Scahill and Alison Schlobhon, who won scholarships through the Elks National Foundation.

Last month, the Lodge donated materials for Bingo night to Catskill Lodge 1341, after that lodge building was damaged in a fire.

The Catskill Lodge Flag Day ceremony Sunday afternoon also featured a parade of historic flags, the playing of “taps” and comments from Lopez.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 44 Den 2 and Den 4 served as color guard during the ceremony. They displayed the country’s flags, as well as a Prisoners of War/Missing in Action flag, which calls to mind the service of soldiers who remain unaccounted for or who might still be held as prisoners by their enemies.

David Schermerhorn gave a response to the display, saying that the flag must be won and re-won by every generation until the end of time.

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance,” he said.

He named the numerous battles and conflicts in which servicemen and servicewomen engaged and recalled images of the flag being flown over the ruins of the World Trade Center, draped over the Pentagon and being raised near the Pennsylvania crash site of Flight 93.

He said the flag still flies as a tribute to members of the armed forces, but also to law enforcement officers and firefighters, who serve their communities, as well.

Before the ceremony, the scouts said they had spent time getting to know about the flags they would bear.

Although they could not agree on their favorite flag that has represented the United States during its more than 230-year life, they said they learning the history of each flag was important.

“It helps us respect our country,” scout Michael Sandor, said.