BEDFORD – The American flag remains a living piece of history and a source of pride and unity for all Americans. The Stars and Stripes embody the very qualities that make our nation great: liberty, justice, freedom, love of country, and national purpose.
On Tuesday, July 4th in Lawrence County at Golden Corral, a group of veterans and officials gathered to honor this tradition of the raising of the American Flag a living symbol that calls to our spirit, reminding us of the greatness of America.
Singing the National Anthem was Bedford North Lawrence Sophomore Anngelian Harris.
“We cherish and uphold it because it is the standard of honor under which we live,” said Lawrence County Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough. “Our flag represents freedom and sacrifice, which our military has given of themselves, their bodies, and their families for our right to fly our flag proudly as free persons. The American flag represents home for most of our military personnel overseas.
Owner Ronnie Nubbie, of Golden Corral, honored those veterans with a free breakfast.
Opening prayer and the blessing of the morning meal were given by Pastor Mark Brock, of New Life Trinity Holiness Tabernacle.
The American Legion Gillian Post 33 Honor Guard provided a gun salute and played Reveille.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lawrence County Commissioner President and USN Veteran Jeff Lytton. Also honoring first responders was USN Veteran and Bedford Fire Chief John Hughes and honoring local officials was US Army Veteran and Commissioner Wally Branham.
Keynote Speaker Bedford Mayor Sam Craig, said, “Today we honor our veterans and what they have done for us and what they continue to do. That is what this day is all about. They (veterans) know what this day is for and have worked for this day. Lawrence County veterans go back for generations in every war. Without them, we would not be celebrating this day. Today is not a sad day, but a great day because we are free to celebrate what we have and continue to have.”
Mayor Craig ended with this comment, The American flag is a symbol of our greatest promises life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
