CLEARLAKE — American Legion Post No. 437 Commander Dennis Alexander led a ceremony Thursday dedicating the flag that flies at Austin Park in Clearlake. The event was well-attended with representation of the city, the county, law enforcement, area veterans” groups and women civics leaders.
“We are gathered today for a grateful and patriotic duty, to dedicate these colors, the emblems of the United States of America and the American Legion; a perpetual memorial to our comrades who died in their country”s service and to those who offered their lives during time of war,” Alexander said. “May we again dedicate our organization and ourselves to the sacred ideals, which are here represented, ever remembering that the American Legion”s principal service is for God and country.”
Those in attendance shared a moment of silence in memory of those who have given their all to this county, who have made the supreme sacrifice and have answered the call of the “Great Commander of All Divisions.”
“I dedicate these colors. May they fly perpetually as the emblem of the cause for which we fought and which we now gladly serve,” Alexander said. “Here is the flag of our country; safe within its folds is the freedom and fealty of our nation. Comrades, you will join me in saluting the flag.”
Prior to the raising of the flag, attendees gathered around the flag pole for a prayer led by Joan Edmunds, of Healing Rooms of Lake County.
The Clearlake Highlands Women”s Civic Club has provided a new flag for the city for the past 75 years. With membership dwindling, the club has handed its duties over to the Park Study Club. Prior to disbanding of the women”s civic club, membership purchased three flags, which will now be presented annually by the Park Study Club.
Thursday”s event enjoyed the attendance of Clearlake Mayor Judy Thein, council members Curt Giambruno and Chuck Leonard, members of Clearlake Public Works and Clearlake Police Department; medics and firefighters of Lake County Fire Protection District; District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith, and numerous members representing Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2337, American Legion Post No. 437, Lake County Military Honors Team and women of the Clearlake Highlands and Park Study clubs.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
