A proclamation calling for Flag Day and Flag Week to be celebrated in Van Zandt County in June was approved unanimously May 25 by the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting.

Carrie Woolverton of the VZC Historical Commission read the proclamation calling for Flag Day to be recognized on Tuesday, June 14, and Flag Week to be observed during the week of June 12. The proclamation read as follows:

“On Flag Day and throughout National Flag Week, we pay tribute to the American flag, the most recognizable symbol of the principles for which our Republic stands. For more than 200 years, the Stars and Stripes have represented liberty, justice, and the rule of law. Recently, as our Nation has come together to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, our flag has been a reminder of the courage, tenacity, and loyalty that define the indomitable American spirit. Our great flag causes us to reflect humbly on the immeasurable price that has been paid to keep it ‘so gallantly streaming.’ Throughout our Nation’s history, proud patriots have nobly answered the call of duty when our country needed them most. The Star-Spangled Banner serves as an everlasting remembrance of the sacrifices heroes of every generation have made in conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our flag ensures that we never forget the incredible sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made to defend our liberty way of life.

“The American flag represents the unity of our country and its people. Old Glory should be revered and cherished, as a symbol of all that makes America the greatest country in the world. As we honor our beautiful flag on this day and throughout this week, let us vow never to forget the tremendous sacrifices made by patriots from generation to generation to ensure that the red, white, and blue continues to fly high and free. Today, and every day, I am proud to join my fellow Americans in standing tall and saluting our great American flag.

“To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended, designated June 14 of each year as ‘Flag Day’ and requested that an annual proclamation calling for its observance and for the display of the flag of the United States on all Government buildings. The Congress request, by joint resolution approved June 9, 1966, as amended, that annually a proclamation be issued designating the week in which June 14 occurs as ‘National Flag Week’ and calling on all citizens of the United States to display the flag during that week.”

VZC Pct. 3 Commissioner Keith Pearson made the motion to approve the Flag Day and Flag Week proclamation and VZC Pct. 4 Commissioner Tim West seconded the motion before VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner Chad LaPrade and VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. joined in to make it unanimous approval.

VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick said, “Now, Therefore, I, Don Kirkpatrick, Judge of VZC, along with the VZC Commissioners Court, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2022, as Flag Day, and the week starting June 12, 2022, as Flag Week. I direct the appropriate officials to display the flag on all VZC government buildings during this week, and I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day and Flag Week by displaying the flag. I encourage the people of VZC to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, set aside by the Congress, as a time to honor America, to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.”

Woolverton also announced that there will be a Flag Day program at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, at the VZC Veterans Memorial in Canton. The public is invited.

The next regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, in the VZC Courthouse.