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Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

When a few residents of Harlan County realized there was a need for a flag pole and flag at the Cumberland Hope Center at Verda, they put their resources together and made those purchases.

Showing residents of the center the proper ways of handling, displaying and folding of the flag, a dedication program was held on Tuesday.

The flag and pole were purchased by Baxter residents James Curry, David Witt,William Vanover,Walt Daniels, J.D. Daniels and Kerry Martin, Bill Howard, of Grays Knob, and Rev. James Sanders, of Shields.

“I was approached at church one Sunday by the Hope Center’s Operations Manager Charlene Vaughan and she asked me if I knew of any way the center could get a flag and flag pole,” said Martin. “I contacted some of my friends and we all put some funds together and made the purchase. We are all supporters of the Hope Center.”

Vaughan said the center “greatly appreciates” the efforts of these concerned residents for the purchase and flag dedication ceremony.

“The flag and pole are a nice addition to the campus here at the Cumberland Hope Center,” said Vaughan.”We have residents here who have been a part of the military service. Everyone here at the center appreciates our veterans and the services they have and are providing for our country. This is just one way of showing them our respect.”

Going through each step of the folding of the flag and describing its significance, Martin said that “when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, ‘In God We Trust.’” He said 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 Capt. 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.”

Director Melissa Foutch said lights will now be purchased for their flag display.

“On behalf of all our residents and staff, this was a very nice ceremony and we were so happy to be a part of it,” said Foutch.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com