DARIEN, Ga.- "The flag of the United States is a living symbol that calls to our spirit, reminding us of the greatness of America," said Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Howard, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during her speech to the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. "We cherish and uphold it because it is the standard of honor under which we live."

The speech took place June 10 in Darien, Ga., during the NSDAR's Flag Day celebration. The event, hosted by St. Andrew's Parish Chapter, was attended by members from across Coastal Georgia.

The program began with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the American's Creed, followed by a Tribute to the Flag. Darien Mayor Kelly Spratt also read a proclamation making June 14 Flag Day in the City of Darien. After lunch, Command Sgt. Maj. Howard gave her remarks, which focused on the importance of Flag Day.

"Flag Day is important because it symbolizes that dedication to our country," she said. "During Memorial Day and Independence Day, we display the flag, but the pride we feel when we look at the Flag on Flag Day is unparalleled. It is a living history lesson. Its 13 stripes and 50 stars tell the story of our struggle to become an independent nation."

She also thanked the NSDAR for all of their efforts to preserve history.

"Your historical and genealogical collections provide a wealth of information that you just can't find in our schools' history books," she said. "Those desiring to study their Family's history don't need to look any further than the DAR."

The NSDAR is a non-profit women's organization headquartered in Washington D.C. It comprised of descendents of Soldiers who fought during the Revolutionary War, numbering more than 160,000 members and 3,000 chapters across the United States.