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Our new flag pole a memorial to all who served Our Nation!
Council 1830, Assembly#0079, the American Legion Post#855, the VFW, the DAV, the USMC, distinguished guests, ladies, gentlemen and friends gathered on March 12,2005 for a grateful and patriotic duty. To dedicate Colors, these Colors which is the emblem of the United States of America. We dedicated our new flag pole as a memorial to all who have served our Nation. To dedicate this monument, a perpetual memorial to all who served. May we again dedicate our organization and ourselves to the sacred ideals which are here represented, ever remembering that the principle service is for God and Country.
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Bill Jackson Served as the MC.
Mr. Bill Jackson has been appointed Governor Schwarzenagers advizor of Veterans affairs, and member of American Legion Post#855 did a wonderful job as Master of Ceremonies for council1830. |
Grand Knight Tony Terlaje.
The Grand Knight received the Colors from the American Legion and then turned the Colors over to the Marine detail from the MCLB.
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Sir Knight Anthony Topete.
Flag Dedication
The Knights of Columbus
When I think of the significance of our American Flag, I recall that when Gen. George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross to produce a new image, a symbol of this new nation, going forth and standing on the worlds stage of nations. This Flag will serve as our representative and all will know America is here and stands for freedom."
The construction:
Thirteen strips running equally in size and parallel to the fly of the flag. Each represents the original 13 Colonies, equally, one being no greater then the other.
These strips are to alternate Red of White.
7--Red for the blood that has been and will be shed in the forming and maintaining of our nation.
6--White for the purity of cause and purpose to which we strive.
The Blue Canton : Represents the sky above that is dotted with Thirteen, 5 pointed stars, one per Colony, forming in a circle thus placing no one greater than the other. Our forefathers left room for our Canton of Stars to expand as our Nation develops. And we did! Many shapes and configurations of star patterns developed as State by State was added, equally onto our flag.
As we prepare to dedicate this, our American Flag, to be flown and presented, we must remember just what that "Charge of Responsibility" means.
This Council, of the Knights of Columbus, affirms from this date, the Twelfth day of March in the year of Our Lord, Two thousand and Five, and in the Independence of the United States of America, Two Hundred and Twenty Nine Years, that they shall protect and defend.
That these members do affirm from this date and hereafter may borne, shown and advance this American Flag as safe property. This indicates that these Brother Knights places strong value on this symbol of America. And they do hereby accept that responsibility.
As we look upon this NEW American Flag, we too are looking upon a day when it will no longer be physically serviceable. We must give full respect for its service onto us. Therefore when that determination is made, let ALL of us render, proper respect and protocol in retiring the colours.
I recall a story that I had heard many years ago about a ragged old flag, that I wish to share with you in my closing remarks. I have modified this to update a little.
"That Ragged Old Flag"
(Has been modified up to date)
By Johnny Cash
I walked through a county courthouse square, and
On a park bench an old man was sitting there.
I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down."
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town."
I said, "Your flagpole has leaned a little bit,
And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it."
He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down.
"Is this the first time, you've been to our little town?"
I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag,
But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag."
"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware.
And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key
Sat watching it, writing ‘Oh Say Can You See,’
And it got a bad rip in New Orleans,
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams.
And it almost fell at the Alamo,
Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on through.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville,
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag."
"On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp and low by the time it was through.
She was in Korea and VietNam.
She was sent there by Uncle Sam."
But, back here at home,
Some have quit waving her,
Where she has been abused,
Burned, dishonored, denied and refused.
Kuwait was invaded and its people cried for help.
She led us through the desert and the oily smoke again,
Even though she’s getting threadbare and wearing thin.
Then the unbelievable happened to her,
The towers were hit and the Pentagon too,
As heroes crashed in a farmer's field.
The Nation stood shocked and stunned,
For a new war had begun.
As the Firemen pulled her up from the ashes,
And soldiers hung her from the ruins,
A new wind blew, everywhere she flew.
But she's in good shape for the battles she's seen.
Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe, she can take a whole lot more."
"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,
And she was painted on aircraft wherever they roamed.
"So we raise her up every morning,
Take her down every night.
We don't let her touch the ground,
And we fold her up, just right.
On second thought, I DO like to brag,
Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
Now, let’s us dedicate this flag, today,
For the Council of the Knights of Columbus,
Because her finest hours is yet to come.
Written by: Neil Morrison
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Gun Salute to the Colors!
The DAV rifle team came out to Honor OUR Colors with a Gun Salute! Two brother Knights served on the detail Brother Tino Baca and Brother Satetee Poapoa both Offficers of Council 1830, and Allen Gray from the Moose Logde, a veteran of the US Navy.
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United States Marines land at Council#1830!
And we were Proud to have them! After receiving the Colors from the Grand Knight they shared with us what the Colors meant to them! and how they and all Marines Honor the Colors on there Base and at all military bases around the world. |
Ode To The Flag
Our nation's flag is a stirring sight as it flutters proudly in the breeze. Its colors of blue, red and white means so much to you and me; Red stands for courage and hardiness, the White means innocence and purity, Blue for justice, perseverance and vigilance in its promise to keep us free. This banner stands for a bountiful land; its government, people and ideals.
The stripes for the thirteen colonies stand, its symbolism is very real. Each state now is represented by a star of white on blue. President Washington first presented the American Flag to you.
Many brave men have fought and died to protect it from dishonor and disgrace. Wives have mourned and mothers have cried so we could remain... The UNITED States. The sight of this banner brings feelings of joy, of courage, pride and freedom to all. A symbol of our nation in all its glory... on the moon Old Glory stands tall.
Welcome Home and Thank You.
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U.S.M.C.
The detail from the MCLB in Barstow, California raised the Colors for the fist time at Council#1830 of the Knights of Columbus. |
The History of Taps by Bill Jackson.
The melody that gave the present day "Taps" was made during the Civil War by Union General Danial Adams Butterfield, in command of a brigade camped at Harrison Landing, Virginia, near Richmond. Up to that time, the U.S. Army infantry call to end the day was the French final call "L'Extinction des feux". General Butterfield decided the "lights out" music was too formal to signal the end of the day. One day in July 1862, he recalled the "Tatoo" music and hummed a version of it to an aide who wrote the melody down. Butterfield asked the brigade bugler, Oliver W. Norton, to play the notes, and after listening, he lengthened and shortened them while keeping the original melody. Thereafter, General Butterfield ordered Norton to play this new call at the end of each day instead of the regular call. The music was heard and appreciated by the other brigades, who asked for copies and adopted it for own use. It was even adopted by the Confederates. The first time "Taps" was played at a military funeral may have been in Virginia, soon after Butterfield composed it. Union Captain John Tidball, head of an artillery battery, ordered it played for the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. Not wanting to reveal the position of the battery, Tidball substituted "Taps" for the three rifle volleys fired over the grave.
Major Seymour, in 1867, was evidently not aware of General Butterfield's composition. The major did not include it in his system of calls, and it was not officially adopted until 1874. Considered to be the most beautiful of calls, Taps provides a fitting close to the soldier's day, and when the time comes, to his or her final departure from the ranks. The melody was made the official Army bugle call after the war, but was not given the name "Taps" until 1874.
Source "U.S. Army Military District of Columbia Fact Sheet"
Taps' Lyrics
While there are no official words to the bugle call "Taps", the commonly used lyrics are:
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright;
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night.
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All gave some, Some gave All!
In Honor of those who gave the Supreme sacrifice for Our Nation, the Marines raised the Colors to half mast and the DAV rifle gave a 21 gun salute to the Colors and the American Legion sounded TAPS, and the Sir Knights gave a sword Salute. |
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A special thanks the UNITED STATES MARINE'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We remain very greatful to them for our freedom, and their service to our country, and for taking the time to come out here to join us in dedicating this new flag pole and these new Colors here at Fray Garces Council#1830 of the Knights of Columbus, Barstow, California!
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