Page 6 - Robeson Living Fall 2018

And Proudly They Wave

By Charles Kemp, Fairmont Commissioner

We’ve all had that feeling of pride and national unity when It was with these ideals in mind that I reached out to Mike
the U.S. flag is displayed in a meeting, special occasion, Hollingsworth, a friend and Vietnam veteran who lives
or a parade. For some the flag brings back the horrors of at Lake Wacammaw, after seeing the multi flag display he
wars they fought in, for others it’s a feeling of patriotism had arrayed in May of 2017 on a street in the community.
that beats within their heart. But for all Americans it’s the Mike was gracious to lend us his 30 flags for public display
knowledge and acceptance that a simple cloth rectangle and even came with other friends to install them next to
of red, white, and blue stands for freedom and its pursuit the sidewalk in downtown Fairmont near the old post of-
around the world. This is a feeling Americans have carried fice. Upon their unveiling there was an immediate cascade
with them for 242 years and seems to unify us in rough of verbal support and soon I formed a committee. Choices
times both nationally and abroad. were made, the 30 flags we wanted were ordered, and their
Page 6 first public display occurred from September 11th through