What do you see when you look at an American flag? Maybe stars and stripes or the obvious red white and blue? What about when taking a deeper look? To some the flag stands for pride, safety, and freedom for all. Others see men and women fighting to protect our shores. But all of these things only begin to scratch the surface for what the flag symbolizes. It is of no coincidence that the flag looks how it does today. Each and every piece has its own special meaning. The white stars you see on “Old Glory” represent the 50 states of the United States . The 13 Stripes stand for the 13 original colonies that fought so valiantly against the British. Even further analysis shows that the red displays valor, courage, enthusiasm, blood and life, the white signifies purity and peace, and the blue depicts perseverance, justice, vigilance and respect for God.
With so many great meanings it only makes sense why the flag is so important to the citizens of this great nation. Even within our small community the great spirit of patriotism strives within the citizens. This is why the creation of an “Adopt a Flag Program” is needed within our great city. With so much love and support for the community, this program will only help to further reinforce the appreciation for this country and its veterans. But what exactly is this program? To explain the answer we must start at the beginning. 25 years ago another program, Pumpkinfest, was started within the city of South Lyon . Activities such as a craft and antique show and a spaghetti dinner were held to raise money to purchase American flags for all class rooms and the 4 corners of the intersection of 10 Mile and Pontiac Trail. Since then the town has grown enormously and the number of flags within it has grown from 4 to 72. What has continued to remain the same however is the ownership of these flags. While some believe that they are owned by the city, they are actually owned completely by the citizens of the community. Year after year they are purchased completely by people within the town. But due to current economic conditions, it has grown harder to find the funds necessary. That is why this program has become so needed within the community of South Lyon .
The “Adopt a Flag” program is actually being initiated as a Boy Scout eagle project to help provide the money to continue the support for the flag and the beautification of the city. Through this program, people will donate a fee of $35 to purchase a flag to hang along Pontiac Trail and Lake Street . Along with the flag will be a banner to hang and note the name of the person/s or organization to which the flag has been donated by or in memory of. These items will remain on the light poles within the city for the life of the flag. Once the flag has reached its full maturity, it will then be taken down and respectfully retired by the Boy Scouts of America through the local VFW post.
To help us with this program and fulfill our needs to continue with the beautification and patriotism of the community, please click on the link, fill out the application and follow the mailing instructions provided. Thank you for your support.
Download the application here:
Adopt a flag
