Charleston, West Virginia. – Sailors from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Ohio and USS West Virginia along with members of the Charleston Elks Lodge and the community paid homage to the American Flag during a Flag Day ceremony at the lodge.
Senior Chief Petty Officer John Meighen, USS West Virginia presided as a guest speaker.
“As I tried to come up with an appropriate address, I realized, I was looking at this from the wrong angle,” said Meighen. “We aren’t really here to celebrate a simple piece of cloth; we are here to reflect on all of those things that beautiful cloth stands for. We are here to remember the sacrifices, the glorious victories and the bitter defeats that Old Glory has watched over. Those moments in time, those tearful memories shared by those who were there, they are why we have a Flag Day.”
Throughout the ceremony, Charleston Elk Lodge members highlighted the history of the flag in the United States, the symbolism behind the flag and a flag folding demonstration.
For one Navy recruiter, Petty Officer Second Class Kaitlyn Conrad a Glenville, West Virginia native, it was a good feeling to be a part of this day and ceremony with her peers and members of Charleston and surrounding areas honoring the American Flag.
“Celebrating our flag is significant to me not only as a sailor but as a member of this community, said Conrad. “It’s important to and for all of us to celebrate Flag Day because we are all one and we’re representatives of the United States.”
Before his closing remarks, Meighen reminded everyone in attendance to celebrate and to reflect on the price that has been paid for the freedom everyone rejoices in which lead into an Elks Lodge member performing taps.
Navy Recruiting District Ohio sailors are supporting USS West Virginia during their weeklong namesake visit through the capital city.
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2018 17:31 |
| Story ID: | 281404 |
| Location: | CHARLESTON, WV, US |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Navy Recruiting District Ohio and USS West Virginia Sailors Participate in Flag Day Ceremony, by Vernishia Vaughn, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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