Old Glory proudly waved over Parker Park in Climax last Saturday, June 13, as Mayor Charles Hadsock gave the welcome to the city’s 27th Annual Flag Day celebration.

Hadsock asked the question, “What do you see when you look at the American Flag?”

He went on to explain that “The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory” was a symbol of freedom, the most recognizable symbol in the world today.

The Mayor said he salutes all the men and women who gave their all, and all the veterans who fought and active duty soldiers fighting today to preserve the freedom that each one of us enjoy as Americans. He said that sometimes we forget this and take it for granted.

“Let us remember that freedom is not free, it comes with a very high price paid for by the veterans that gave their all, and by those that sustained life changing injuries to preserve that freedom,” Hadsock said. “The American Flag is the true symbol of everything we believe in as Americans. God Bless America and the Veterans who fought and continue to fight today to preserve these freedoms we enjoy in this great country. I pray we will never forget the sacrifices of these brave men and women.”

The Invocation was given by USMC Veteran Sam Sirmons.

Hadsock also recognized the dignitaries, which included several Deputy Sheriffs. Council Woman Elizabeth Phillips welcomed all veterans from all branches of the military. As the veterans stood, the song for each branch was played in their honor. Veterans attending were Sam Sirmons (USMC), Bob Thomas (U.S. Army), Hill Yates (U.S. Army), Willie Barrentine (U.S. Army), Nelson Harrell (U.S. Navy), and Scott Morehouse (U.S. Air Force).

Karen Rambo of Woodman of the World presented flags to Hadsock for the City of Climax, Parker Park, Climax Community Club, Climax Volunteer Fire department and Cedar Grove Cemetery.

The Bainbridge Jr. ROTC performed the ceremony of retiring the old flags in Parker Park and the raising of the new flags. After which, the National Anthem was played.
The guest speaker was Hill Yates, commander of Post 4904 of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Yates stated that June 14, 1777, was named Flag Day by the 2nd continental congress, as this was the day our Flag was adopted, having 15 stars and 15 stripes. He said in 1916, then-President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. In August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an act of congress. Yates said that perhaps the oldest continuing Flag Day parade is at Fairfield, Washington, beginning in 1909.

He also stated that the week of June 14 is designated as “National Flag Week.” During this week, the president will issue a proclamation urging U.S. citizens to Fly the American Flag for the duration of the week. The Flag should also be displayed on all government buildings.

Commander Yates recalled an incident on the news media recently about the desecration and stomping of the American Flag. He said while the Supreme Court said it could be done, his heart said it shouldn’t.

“There is a difference in the flag being draped over a coffin and desecrating it and stomping on it!” Yates said.

People have died for that Flag and the freedom symbol it stands for, he said. He went on to conclude that there are other ways of voicing one’s opinion but the desecration of the American Flag should not be one of them.

Sam Sirmon led the audience in the singing of America the Beautiful. The pledge of Allegiance ended Climax’s 27th Flag Day ceremony.

Reporters note: A special thank you to Deputy Sheriff John Presilla for his assistance with this article.

Family Fun Night in Climax at Swine time Grounds

A family fun night will be held on the Swine Time Grounds Saturday, June 20, beginning at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. The event is sponsored by the Climax Community Club, and everyone is invited to come for some good fun time at no charge.

That’s right—the event is free. Activities include a face painter, a bouncy house, relay races, raffles and door prizes. Come enjoy the afternoon and night. For more information, one may call Sarah Dollar at (229) 416-2511.