Local DAR Salutes Notable Businesses for Flying the U.S. Flag

Kennesaw, GA –Flag Day, which this year fell on Sunday, June 14, saw the Kennesaw Mountain Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) select local businesses to be commended for their proper use and flying of the Flag of the United States of America.

On July 9, the Second Vice Regent, Mrs. Brenda King, recognized the Kennesaw based company, Vulcan Materials Company Southeast Division, for its proper use, correct display, its continued patriotic presentation of the Flag of the United States of America. A plaque was presented to Mr. Joe Gowens, Plant Manager, and Mr. David Strickland, Shop Supervisor.

“Mrs. King, Our Second Vice Regent who also serves the chapter as the Flag of the United States of America Chair, nominated the Vulcan Materials, Kennesaw location to recognize their ongoing program to fly the Flag appropriately,” says Loriann White, Chapter Regent.

Ms. Carol Landrum, Vulcan Materials Southeast Division Manager Community & Government Relations was thrilled with the opportunity for Vulcan Materials to be recognized and organized the event at the local plant. In light of Covid-19, safety measures and social distancing guidelines set by the CDC, State and local authorities were observed.

On June 14, 1777, by resolution the Second Continental Congress adopted a Flag featuring thirteen white stars in a circle on a field of blue and thirteen red and white strips, one for each of the founding colonies. Our country’s Flag is a symbol which represents our land, our people, our government, and the ideals of the United States of America.

In the early 1900s, several individuals and organizations are credited for laying the groundwork in establishing a national observance of Flag Day. On May 20, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation and called on our nation to observe the fourteenth day of June as Flag Day with special patriotic exercises to give significant expression to our thoughtful love of America. On August 3, 1949, to commemorate the adoption of our flag, a joint resolution was passed by the United States Congress designating June 14 of each year as Flag Day. On June 9, 1966, a joint resolution was passed by the United States Congress requesting the President to annually issue a proclamation designating National Flag Week during the week in which June 14 occurs.

In 1909, the Flag of the United States of America committee was established in DAR to promote a deep patriotic sense of respect for our flag. The committee focuses on these principle objectives: to keep the flag flying and to protect it continuously under all conditions, as well as to educate citizens regarding its correct usage.

Additional activities are to distribute the Flag Code leaflets to local schools and youth organizations, retirement homes and at patriotic events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July.

“It is important that we continue to serve as role models in our community by recognizing individuals and groups that demonstrate correct usage of the United Stated Flag. Chapter members freely nominate local businesses and individuals for their patriotism, proper use and display of the Flag. Plaques and certificates may be presented to individuals/groups in appreciation and recognition of their respectful flying of the Flag of the United States”, continues White.

The chapter also places flags in local cemeteries paying respect and honor to the veterans buried there and their families.

The Chapter organized in the city of Kennesaw with thirteen members in 2017. Since its inception, the membership has more than quadrupled.

Governor Brian Kemp recently commended the chapter’s many activities in support of the DARs motto: God, Home and Country. He stated, “I applaud the commitment to excellence and hard work you have demonstrated.”

Second Vice Regent Brenda King adds, “It was a great joy to present to Joe Gowins and David Strickland both U.S. military veterans, who fully appreciate what the U.S. Flag represents. They expressed pride in serving our country and now being employed by the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates.”

Members who participated in the plaque presentation ceremony were Second Vice Regent King, and Librarian Brenda Harris. Dan King, member of the Sons of the American Revolution Captain John Collins Chapter, Kennesaw, GA was also in attendance.

Additional businesses recognized by the Chapter were The Flag Store in Acworth, The City of Kennesaw Police Department in Kennesaw, The Alpharetta Police Department in Alpharetta, SunTrust Bank Liberty Village Branch in Alpharetta and The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia. Local Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps units at Etowah High School and Kennesaw Mountain High School were also recognized for proper use and display of the Flag.

The Kennesaw Mountain Chapter has documented 34,248 volunteer hours dedicated to Service to America, by traveling year-to-date 16,799 miles to deliver thrift and supplies to veterans and active military and have recognized local citizens for patriotism, conservation and historic preservation efforts. Additionally, the chapter has participated in Naturalization ceremonies by welcoming 1,776 newly naturalized citizens and distributed over 21,000 U.S Flags across Kennesaw, Cobb County, and the State of Georgia.

Moreover, the Chapter has honored 19 local Cobb County Women in American History, celebrated the U.S Constitution throughout the local schools, and adopted the Kennesaw City Cemetery by organizing the Wreaths Across America program in fall of 2019.

White continues, “I could not be prouder of Brenda and her initiative in coordinating this event for our community, its businesses and for the Chapter.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. DAR members are committed to volunteer service having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities throughout the world during the past three years. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media at facebook.com/TodaysDAR, twitter.com/TodaysDAR and youtube.com/TodaysDAR.

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