Flag Day ceremony at Carl Vinson VA Medical Center
What it means to Dublin's veterans and VA workers
LAURENS COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – About 60 Veterans Affairs workers and guests attended the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center’s 12th annual Flag Day ceremony.
On Friday morning, dozens gathered on the front lawn for the ceremony.
According to Dr. Jordan, the ceremony is emotional and reminds VA employees why they work to care for veterans year after year.
“When people see them I think they immediately get a patriotic surge of feelings and it reminds of them of what it means to be an American and what it takes.”
Although Flag Day is observed around the country, Communications Director Dr. Frank Jordan Jr. says the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center began it’s tradition in 2012.
In a press release, the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center shares the long history of Flag Day. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14th as Flag Day in 1916. It was later recognized by Congress in 1949.
On paper, Flag Day reminds us of the American flag’s history. Interim VA Director Scott Reesman says it’s about more than that.
“As we celebrate the flag today, let’s keep in mind what it really represents—our commitment to democracy. We see the sacrifices made to keep our country free here at the VA every day that we work, and we honor our veterans for their service. I hope everyone will feel a sense of patriotism each time they look at our flag.”
According to a press release, one Vietnam War veteran and volunteer Gus Allbritton hopes to see more attendees at the ceremony in the years to come.
“I don’t think it’s too much to ask that patriotic Americans to come out once a year to honor our flag. If we don’t the sacrifices made to create and defend this country, we risk losing it. And it’s very important that we teach our young people what it means to be patriotic Americans. This event is always open to the public and I would love to see schools, church groups, and lots of kids come out each year. Let’s make this the biggest Flag Day ceremony anyone has ever seen in Middle Georgia!”
