Ferron’s patriotic program: Field of Flags

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The Field of Flags has become an annual tradition in Ferron. It is part of the Peach Days celebration and a way to honor and remember those who passed away on Sept. 11, 2001 and all who have served America in times of war. The program was held on Sept. 12 during the Peach Days celebration.
Ferron’s mayor Trent Jackson welcomed everyone to the program. David Bennion gave the opening prayer followed by the posting of the colors by the American Legion Post 42. They then offered a 21 gun salute. Mandi Price played TAPS. The Ferron Elementary liberty kids sang the National Anthem.
The Ferron Creek Young Women read a tribute from Red Skelton about the Pledge of Allegiance. This interpretation of the pledge was presented to Red Skelton as a young boy in school by his teacher: I-Me; an individual; a committee of one. Pledge-Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance-My love and my devotion. To the Flag-Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody’s job.
United-That means that we have all come together.
States-Individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country. And to the Republic-Republic–a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands; One Nation-One Nation–meaning, so blessed by God. Indivisible-Incapable of being divided. With Liberty-Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one’s own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation. Justice-The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.
For All-For All–which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine.
Red Skelton explained that since he was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?
The audience recited the pledge of allegiance.
America the Dream goes On and Amazing Grace was sung by Hans Baantjer, Lance and Evelyn Wright, Dennis Worwood, Rexann Hulse and Kaylyn Fox.
Evelyn Huntsman read the history of the pledge of allegiance. She said Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, wrote the original Pledge in August 1892. He was a Christian Socialist. The Pledge was published in the September 8 issue of The Youth’s Companion, the leading family magazine of its day.
In 1892 Francis Bellamy was also a chairman of a committee of state superintendents of education in the National Education Association. As its chairman, he prepared the program for the celebration for Columbus Day in 1892.
Proper flag etiquette was displayed by Red Hess, Jo Sansevero and Sgt. Les Wilberg. Sarah Swasey sang the song Prayer of Peace.
The program ended with closing remarks by Mayor Jackson. He thanked everyone for their work on the program and for preparing the Field of Flags. He thanked Jerry Thomas for designing the flag placement. Other thanks were give to Boy Scout Troop 307, Emery County Sheriff’s Office, Ferron LDS Stake, Flag Committee, American Legion Unit 42, American Legion Auxiliary and to everyone else involved in the presentation of the Field of Flags.