That Grand Ol' Flag
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Friday, June 15, 2007 | 
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Di Lewis
Standard-Examiner staff
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By Di Lewis
Standard-Examiner staff
OGDEN -- Hundreds of people, including Gov. Jon Huntsman, turned out to honor the American flag and U.S. veterans Thursday at a Flag Day ceremony held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars at Newgate Mall.
The program included a fly-by of three F-16s from Hill Air Force Base, a flag-raising ceremony, music by the Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band and remarks by the governor, Mayor Matthew Godfrey and several military officers.
Huntsman was asked to participate in the ceremony last year and asked to be a part of the program again this year, said Brent Parkin, general manager of Newgate Mall.
Huntsman said he believes celebrations like Flag Day are important, because they bring the community together to honor the country and flag.
"We're a nation at war, and while we're a nation at war, without respect to how people feel about the war, I think it's important to honor the troops," Huntsman said. "Flag Day is a day that allows us an opportunity to salute our men and women in uniform."
Dennis Howland, Utah VFW Judge Advocate, said Flag Day is for "renewing and recommitting our loyalty to a flag that's been around for more than 200 years."
Members of the VFW have been handing out flags and asking people to sign pledge cards to honor the flag on Flag Day. Howland, who organized Thursday's program, said the VFW has collected between 6,000 and 7,000 pledges in the past two years.
During the program, Howland asked veterans and current members of the armed forces to stand and be recognized by the community.
"Today we're among heroes," he said.
Addressing the veterans and active-duty personnel, Huntsman said, "But for your service and your sacrifice, who knows where our world would be today."
S. Kent Richardson, veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, said he was pleased to see people come support the Flag Day ceremony and thinks such programs are important for the community.
"I think it's the greatest thing we can do to never forget the heritage and freedom we have, because so many have paid the total price for it," Richardson said.
Most speakers spoke about the symbolic importance of the flag as a representation of freedoms Americans have and of the sacrifice people have made to keep others free.
Godfrey said the flag is a symbol of freedom, opportunity and hope.
"The military, whether they fight during peacetime or war, have been willing to see the flag and what it represents as more important than life itself," Howland said.
This is the fifth year Newgate Mall has partnered with the VFW to create a program on Flag Day, Parkin said.
The VFW has been collecting flags that need to be retired and will retire them at a ceremony at 907 W. 12th St. at 2 p.m. Saturday. Members of the community are invited to participate.
Parkin said the VFW has also collected books and blankets that will be donated to the Veteran's Hospital in Salt Lake City.
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