Flag Day ceremony held at Field of Honor in Pineville
155 flags fluttered in the breeze behind Louisiana National Guard Lt. Col. Joe Carey as he spoke at a Flag Day ceremony about what the American flag represents.
"When we take a look at the field of flags before us, does it not feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves?," he asked, "The world wants the positive future that we enjoy as a nation."
Over the weekend, the Exchange Club of Central Louisiana placed 150 American flags and 5 flags representing the military branches, in what is known as the Field of Honor, on Riverfront Street in Pineville in preparation for Tuesday's ceremony.
The Flag Day ceremony was hosted by the Exchange Club of Central Louisiana, the City of Pineville and the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The flag, Carey said in his speech, represents opportunity, optimism and courage.
"The opportunity to do better. The opportunity to change. The opportunity to defy tyranny. The opportunity to work together. And the opportunity to think big and dream," he said.
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When he traveled overseas, he said there are people, usually people in power, who despise the American flag. But those who are not in power, love it as much as any American. The flag, he said, is a beacon of hope and optimism for many across the globe.
"It does represent what is truly the best in humanity," said Carey. "No other nation in history has demonstrated the capacity and willingness to do so much good for humanity."
The Field of Honor is a licensed program of the Colonial Flag Foundation. Martin Masden, President of the Exchange Club, found out about the program and proposed that the club participate. Donors purchase the flags and can honor anyone they know.
"We're honoring everybody. It's not just the military. We honor any everyday heroes. And that's what's good about this," said Dwain Dubroc, chair of the club's Field of Honor committee at a brief ceremony held Saturday.
The Exchange Club hopes to get an early start later this year in preparation for next year's ceremony. They would like to see the whole area near Riverfront Street covered in flags.
Sherry Smith, executive director for the Alexandria/Pineville Area CVB, said the flags waving in the Field of Honor were a beautiful sight to see when traveling over the Jackson Street Bridge.
"Looking forward, I believe that this is going to be one of our premier events in the community as we intend for it to grow each year," she told the crowd.
This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Flag Day ceremony held at Field of Honor in Pineville
