Proud Americans have special reason to show their patriotism today. It is Flag Day.
Our area is fortunate that a number of area legions and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts continue efforts to educate our community on the importance of the American flag. Essay contests on "What the flag means to me" also are held in area schools. Consider this one entry that was spotlighted by Mary Deas in her Yesterdays and Todays column on Sunday from Mackenzie Quinn at Fredonia schools:
"One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," she wrote. "When I say this, they are anything but empty words. When I look at the flag, it is like I am staring straight into the eyes of my papa. He was in the Vietnam War in the 1960s and died of pancreatic cancer before I was born. The flag is the only connection I have to him. The colors of the star spangled banner are red, white and blue with the 50 bright stars for the 50 states that make our country strong. The flag means that I have the freedom to express myself without having to worry about being scolded or severely punished. The flag makes me think about how people had to fight for freedom; it wasn't just handed to us. It isn't possible to repay the soldiers, but saying the pledge while facing the flag every morning is just a respectful way to say, 'Thank you.' "
Locally, ceremonies for Flag Day in the city begin at 6 p.m. today at Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse and are presented by Dunkirk Elks 922.
There will be refreshments served at the Elks Club on Central Avenue after the service.
Fly the flag - and show your support for America.
