Flag Day Is Celebrated

The Monticello Kiwanis Club sponsored its annual Flag Day celebration June 14 on the Monticello Square.

The U.S. Flag design was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. President Woodrow Wilson officially established Flag Day, then President Harry Truman on August 3, 1949 signed an Act of Congress to officially establish the national observance.

The Monticello Kiwanis Club has sponsored a Flag Day program here for many years.

Fifth grade students write essays about “What the American Flag Means to Me,” and one winner is selected from each class at Washington Park School and Piedmont Academy. Then the winners are invited to read their essays at the program.

This year’s winners are Olivia Aldridge, Dallas Bardwell, Ashley Dougherty, Melinda Gilliam, Raylynn Lazenby, Cooper Morgan, McKenzie Mote-Patterson, Corday Norman and Yeny Pardon.

Les Steele provided patriotic music for the program, and an Honor Guard from Robins Air Force Base presented the colors.

Rep. Jim Cole was the guest speaker. Jasper County Commission Chairman Jack Bernard welcomed the guests, and pastor Donna Maria Calix of St. James A.M.E. Church gave the invocation.

Amanda Aultman sang the national anthem, and everyone was invited to join together at the end of the program in singing God Bless America.

David Owens, Kiwanis Club president introduced the speaker and provided closing remarks. Mr. Owens and Al Frost, founder of the local Kiwanis Flag Day program, presented the awards. Each winner received a $50 savings bond and a trophy.

The Kiwanis Club expressed appreciation to all the sponsors.