Flag Day - Flag Pole Dedication - North East State Community College, 14 Jun 2017
On 14 Jun, Kings Mountain Post 24 helped North East State Community College, dedicate the flagpole on the Johnson City campus. The American Legion Post collaborated with others to raise funds to aquire and install the flag pole. The post provided an honor guard which raised the National and State flags.
On behalf of the American Legion, Post 24, thank you for inviting us to participate in this event and this opportunity to say a few words.
On this flag day, we came together to dedicate this flag pole, to hoist the flag of our nation and that of the Volunteer State. We may remember, from our history lessons, the legend of George Washington and Betsy Ross designing the first flag of our nation, adopted by Congress in 1777. The thirteen stripes, alternating red and white with stars arrayed in a blue filed, became the symbol of our nation.
Throughout the history of our Nation, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard and civilians, men and women citizens have gone into battle under this flag, they have rallied to victory hoisting this flag, celebrated their welcome home in parades, and have been buried under this flag. The flag stands for freedom, bought and paid for through the blood of so many. From Flanders Field to Arlington and Mountain Home, the white crosses and head stones mark the fallen.
For those who survived the nations battles, in 1944 Congress passed the GI Bill which represents a promise kept to those who served. The Global War On Terrorism era GI Bill provides a great opportunity for veterans to obtain a higher education and hundreds of thousands have taken advantage. On 25 May, this year the The Tennessee Reconnect Act was signed by Gov Bill Haslam, providing the opportunity for all citizens of this great state to attend community college for free. What better institution than North East State to realize this new freedom.
As we stand here, under clear sky, this pole reaches upwards to heaven, raising the banner of our nation and the knowledge the Constitution the Bill of Rights and the right to an education are secure and all is well in the hands of God.
May he continue to bless the United States of America, its people and protect those who serve in harms way. Thank you
(prepared remarks of Bryan Lauzon, Post Commander)
