GATESVILLE, Texas -- The Gatesville Exchange Club invited the 120th Infantry Brigade's deputy commander to reflect on the significance and history of the American flag for Flag Week Thursday during breakfast at the Ranchers House and Grill here.
Lt. Col. Thomas Wilson, from Greenville, South Carolina, said, "Flag Day is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers.
"Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation; one nation, under God, indivisible, "he continued. "Our flag has a rich history full of pride and glory and many Americans have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon."
Flag Day is a patriotic national holiday that is not as well known and celebrated as Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, it is also known as "Old Glory."
The Army's 239th Birthday was also celebrated Saturday.
Wilson shared a few rare facts about the American flag. George Washington commissioned seamstress Betsy Ross from Philadelphia to create a flag for the new nation. Since then, there have been 27 official versions, and the American flag we see today became official on July 4, 1960 after Hawaii became the 50th state. President Truman established the June 14 of each year as National Flag Day. The week when June 14 falls is also designated as Flag Week.
Faye Nichols, a member of the Gatesville Exchange, said the club is a "National organization to support American values, prevent child abuse, support youth activities, and community service."
Larry Kennedy, of Gatesville, the club's president-elect, mentioned the organization also supports and awards those who serve the community as teachers, fire fighters, and police officers.
"Americanism is patriotism, love of country, flag, Veterans, and service people," Kennedy said.
William Rosser, of Gatesville, is the club's Chairman for Americanism. He said, "Americanism is love. To serve your country with pride. Being able to give perpetuates the freedoms we have.
"Showing your true feelings of what American is -- not just waking up free -- but knowing," he continued. Rosser served in Vietnam twice, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom I.
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