Ferron Peach Days remembering heroes

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Ferron celebrated Peach Days with a variety of activities during the week. Earlier in the month the town crowned new Peach Days royalty. Whitney Withers is the new Miss Peach Days. The town held a historical walking tour on Tuesday. The exhibits were brought to the city hall and judged on Wednesday. A talent show and dessert contest were held on this evening. The Peach Days bike ride was held on Thursday evening. Friday was the free dinner at the rodeo grounds. A walk away from drugs was sponsored by the governing youth council and the entry fee money went towards drug prevention. Fireworks were held that night at Millsite Reservoir.
Saturday started early with a program at the Field of Flags. A fun run and breakfast in the park cooked by the fire department were part of the early bird activities. The parade began at 10 a.m. Games and lunch in the park for families began after the parade. The soap box derby ran at noon. The horse races and demolition derby were held at the fair grounds. A dance rounded out the day of fun.
A large crowd gathered for the Field of Flags patriotic program. More than 300 flags were on display in the church park on State Street. The welcome was given by Mayor JoAnn Behling. Dennis Worwood gave the opening prayer. The posting of the colors was performed by the American Legion Unit #42. The legion gave a 21 gun salute and TAPS was played by Clawson Mayor Mandy Price. The audience recited the pledge of allegiance led by Mayor Behling. The audience observed a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives in the Armed Forces and for those who have served and are currently serving our nation. The audience also remembered those who lost their lives in the tragedy on September 11, 2001.
Kent Petersen recited the Ragged Old Flag. Al Shakespaere sang God Bless the USA. The ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary folded the American flag and told what each fold of the flag represents. The mens choir made up of Lance Wright, Al Shakespaere, Mark Luce and Hans Baantjer sang Gold Bless America and the National Anthem. The closing prayer was given by Pastor Tim Lacock. After the program the audience wandered among the many flags and many took pictures of the sight.
The meaning of the folds of the flag: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Cpt. John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.