Nearly 900 flags placed to recognize Jackson veterans, first responders, victims of child abuse

The Jackson Exchange Club held the 15th annual Flags of Freedom dedication ceremony on Tuesday at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The ceremony was to recognize, honor and remember veterans, first responders and victims of child abuse.

The club's primary goal is to better the community through programs of service. The club has four pillars of service: Child Abuse Prevention, Americanism, Community Service and Youth Projects, according to the JEC.

JEC President Trey Cleek introduced the dedication ceremony.

"Part of our creed is to celebrate the service and sacrifice of all those who have made sure the heritage of American citizenship is ours," he said. "We choose to do this patriotic display in and around the Veterans Day holiday to emphasize all that they've done for our country and for us."

Following his words, the Jackson Police Department Colorguard presented colors and the national anthem was sung as attendees put their hands to their hearts.

Outside nearly 900 American flags planted in the ground, waved in the wind on the lawn of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

"Most of us will never see the tragedies of life that many of you have seen," said Julie Cooke, a member of the Flags of Freedom committee. "But we hope that you will view the beautiful display of flags as a symbol of our gratitude for your service."

Among the sea of flags is a particular area in which they recognize the children who have lost their lives due to abuse.

"Every seven seconds, a child is a victim of child abuse," said Pam Nash, director of the Carl Perkins Exchange Club for the Prevention of Child Abuse. She continued, claiming that 1,250 children died throughout the nation last year due to child abuse.

"Now, sometimes that seems very foreign. Maybe it happens in New York, maybe it happens in Chicago but surely not right here in Tennessee," she said. "But last year, there were 67,180 children who were victims of child abuse right here in the state of Tennessee. It affects all of us."

Nash then spoke about how the funds raised by the dedication ceremony would help provide services for children in foster care. "The dollars that you give through the exchange club and dollars you donate directly to the center help these children in every way," she said to the crowd, which was filled with those who gave. This year, the club and center raised over $30,000, similar to the year before.

Before the display began, County Mayor AJ Massey and City Mayor Scott Conger also had a few words to say.

Massey used his time to reflect on the name of the dedication ceremony, Flags of Freedom.

"We still live in the most free country on planet Earth," he claimed. "In a country where we can be ourselves and are allowed to say things to change our environments and our governments … Thank you for making our county look good to the rest of West Tennessee," Massey ended.

Conger, though with fewer words, said just as much.

"As I drive past that field, it's everything right with our country," Conger said. "No matter red or blue, both of those colors are on the flag. That's what makes us great."

Toward the end of the event, Tom Britt was invited to explain the 13 meanings behind the 13 folds made during a flag-folding ceremony. "The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles, which our great country was originally founded," he said.

The ceremony ended with the crowd gathering around a flag that was 30 by 60 feet tall.

"It's such a moving sight," Cooke said.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson's Flags of freedom remembers veterans, victims of child abuse