Johnathan Nolen a FFA Member presents The Texas and The United States Flag

Como-Pickton Host Veteran Day Ceremony

Thursday Afternoon

By: Luis Rasgado

The American flag remains a living piece of history and a source of pride and unity for all Americans. The Stars and Stripes embodies the very qualities that make our nation great: liberty, justice, freedom, love of country and national purpose.

"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible"

The Texas Flag Code assigns the following symbolism to the colors of the Texas flag: blue stands for loyalty, white for purity, and red for bravery. The code also states that the single lone star "represents ALL of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country."

The Como-Pickton Varsity Choir sang to the Veterans "Here's Two Cohan!"

Kaci Fields and Savannah Schochey presented the symbolism of the folding of the American flag.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

Como-Pickton Students listened closely as they learn the meaning of Veterans Day and why it is so important.

Our Veterans introduced themselves and talked about their experiences. Many of them were from the Marine Corps and the Air Force and were drafted at the age of 18 and up to 21 years of age. One of the Veterans explained his motto on the Air Force "Their are no short cuts in life, but the impossible always takes longer even if it means putting your life at risk."

One of the Veterans said the following to the Como-Pickton Students. "I am old and slow, but if I had the opportunity to go back to my days I would and I wouldn't regret going back to my combat years." he then continued "All of you young folks are the future of the country and if you ever decide to fight for its freedom then do it with honor and humility."

_____________