To the Editor:

This past week was one of remembrance. The landscape of the city of Franklin and the surroundings towns was beautiful; with well-kept cemeteries and yards and flags flying.

Members of the American Legion gave of their time and energy to place approximately 150 flags throughout the city in front of local businesses. Flags were also flown proudly at schools, churches, cemeteries, businesses and homes. Even the local Ford dealership had a flag on every car and truck on their lot.

Have you ever taken the time to watch the United States flag blowing in the wind? What a beautiful sight! Doesn’t it make your heart swell with pride? As proud Americans, it is not to be taken for granted. We should treasure this right and be grateful for the price that has and is still being paid enabling us to have our flag blowing in the breeze.

Do you recognize this pole? It stands all alone — dirty, rusted — not even holding a flag in years. Every time I pass by it, my heart bleeds. It is located where soldiers meet and duty is served. It is in a place where plans and decisions are made to defend our country. Let us try to understand the importance of that flag; especially flying at that particular location.

My challenge is that this pole be lowered to the ground, and placed on boards, so that the American Legion could scrape, prime and paint it; preparing it for a new red, white and blue flag, donated by the Legion. And then raised back up so that it can display the flag in all its glory for travelers passing by the Armory.

My goal for this pole is that it be acknowledged for its purpose, which is: To hold the American flag to remind us of those that have and are still defending to preserve our freedom. For freedom is not free! And to assure each and everyone that passes its way, that once again it is fulfilling its obligation and ready to fly our country’s flag with dignity at the National Guard Armory on Armory Drive, Franklin.

For God & Country,

Carroll Cannon
Franklin