BEDFORD – Saturday at 5:30 p.m., a brand new flag was hoisted into the air in honor of the Limestone Heritage Festival celebration with the Bedford American Legion Gillen Post 33 Honor Guard standing at attention.
Graciously made possible by donations from Ryan and Rachel Griffith, along with Bedford Federal Savings Bank, the immense, pristine nylon flag rose slowly from its place being held by members of the BNL Unified Track & Field Team along with members of the BNL Unified Flag Football team.
Their coach, Mike Branam, and his wife Lori Branam were both present to organize. Mike, with a beard colored for the occasion, says the event and the flag reminded him of his days as an international wrestler, when he represented our country. “It means independence,” he said of the 4th. “It means freedom.”
BNL high school students Ethan Robertson, Ryland Sheeley, Alex Johnson, Asher Arce, Daniel Decker, Joshua Morales, Colton Clute, Samantha Biel, Emily Webb, Alex Nubbie, Harley Tanksey, John Epping, and Philip Matson stood under the flag as it was raised. Together, the students ensured the flag did not touch the ground, and that it stayed visible for the duration of the ceremony and parade despite the wind and heat by holding it down with the newly sewn handles.
A special thank you to Mikel’s Signs for donating their the time and resources to manage the flag raising and lowering process. Mikel’s Signs made the flag ceremony seem easy and seamless with their planning and their generosity.
