Daily Freeman Journal Photo by Kolleen Taylor: American Legion members Gene Williams and Steve Struchen demonstrate the proper way to handle the American Flag. LuAnn Jackson, right, reads the symbolism of each fold, while they are folding the flag. This was done during a work day to repair the many flags damaged from the wind and other elements that are flown at Graceland Cemetery. This process is repeated often at schools by members of the American Legion to help educate the youth and maintain the respect expected by our citizens and military when handling the American Flag.

It’s time to show your colors.

The red, white and blue colors; the colors of our flag, our country’s symbol of freedom and service.

The colors that have been official since June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress established the Flag Act. They are the colors carried into battlefields, flown over governmental buildings, schools and in our cemeteries.

The colors were assigned meaning by the Continental Congress in 1782. Secretary Charles Thomson stated that red represented valor and bravery, white stood for purity and innocence, and blue symbolized vigilance, perseverance, and justice

Within the colors in the flag, bleeds the patriotism that we celebrate throughout the year. The flags will fly again this weekend thanks to the ongoing efforts of the members of the American Legion and many volunteers.

The flags will be displayed on the outskirts of Graceland Cemetery, along the streets of Ohio and Beach streets. The full display of the flags throughout the cemetery are reserved for Memorial Day weekend, according to Steve Struchen, finance officer for the American Legion and member of the American Legion. The 5′ x 8′ flags will be on display from Saturday, November 8 through Wednesday November 12.

This Tuesday, November 11 is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is more than the red, white and blue of the American Flag. It’s more than the American Legion. It’s a day to honor the veterans of the past, those living in our communities around us and those who are currently serving.

It’s not just important to thank a Veteran, but also to support their projects and programs. There are many opportunities to help, and between the Veteran Affairs office and the American Legion, there are hundreds of people who continue to volunteer and work to keep us all safer.

“Just continue supporting the American Legion organization when you can.” Struchen concluded.

Respect the veteran, respect the flag, support the individuals. Those are good first steps.