Flag Day ceremonies Friday at Lakeview Cemetery

by Joe Sova Lake County Leader
| June 13, 2019 2:46 PM

Polson American Legion Post 112 will hold Flag Day ceremonies on Friday, June 14 at 6 p.m. to retire flags with a burning regimen at Lakeview Cemetery. Everyone is invited to attend.

Polson will host the American Legion State Convention June 25-30, and Brett Reistad, the national commander, will be a featured guest. There will be a parade down Main Street on Saturday, June 29 beginning at 1 p.m.

Preceding will be a Legionaires’ ride aboard The Shadow on Flathead Lake on Thursday, June 27.

There is a children and youth luncheon on Friday, June 28. It is for youth in shooting events.

This is the 100th anniversary of the formation of the American Legion, and Polson Post 112 is celebrating its 99th birthday this year.

Marine MSgt. Percy Webb wrote the verbiage that stands the test of time, called “I Am Your Flag.” Here it is:

I am your Flag

I was born on June 14th, 1777.

I am more than just cloth shaped into design.

I am the refuge of the World’s oppressed people.

I am the silent sentinel of Freedom.

I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth.

I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave their lives and fortunes.

I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the bloody swamps of Vietnam.

I walk in silence with each of your Honored Dead, to their final resting place beneath the silent

White Crosses, row upon row.

I have flown through Peace and War, Strife and Prosperity, and amidst it all I have been respected.

My Red Stripes....symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation.

My White Stripes....signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.

My Blue Field....is indicative of God’s heaven under which I fly.

My Stars....clustered together, unify 50 states as one, for God and Country.

“Old Glory” is my nickname, and proudly I wave on high.

Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and fortunes.

Never let my enemies tear down from my lofty position, lest I never return.

Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy.

Worship Eternal God and keep His Commandments, and I shall remain the fortress of peace and freedom for all mankind.

I am your Flag.