The Statesboro VFW Post 10925 held its 6th annual Independence Day Commemoration, offering attendees a thoughtful reflection on the symbols and significance of American patriotism. The event, held in front of the Bulloch County Courthouse Annex, featured discussions on the Pledge of Allegiance and the history and meaning behind the folding of the American flag.
Live stream video of the full ceremony
The ceremony was led by VFW Post Commander Larry Shatteen and coordinated by Dean Rakoskie, VFW State Junior Vice Commander.
Lisa Muldrew provided musical entertainment and Boy Scouts from Statesboro Troop 935 helped with the folding of the flag.
The program opened with the presentation of colors by the Honor Guard from Bulloch County Sheriff's Office included Deputy Aneshia Best and Captain Kenny Thompson.
The commemoration included a unique approach to the Pledge of Allegiance by Dean Rakoski, where participants were encouraged to pause after the word "I" to internally affirm their individual commitment to the nation. This practice, a tradition for the VFW, emphasizes the personal connection each citizen has with the ideals of the pledge.
Following the Pledge, a detailed explanation by Mike Cox of the thirteen folds of the American flag provided a deeper understanding of the symbolism embedded within. Each fold was described, representing themes such as life, belief in eternal life, remembrance of veterans, trust in God, tribute to the country, and honor to mothers and fathers. The final fold, resulting in the flag’s appearance of a cocked hat, serves as a reminder of the soldiers who served under George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Boy Scouts Troop 935 folded the flag as Cox explained the meaning of the folds.
The program also included reflections on the historical context and evolution of the American flag, from its 13 stripes and stars representing the original colonies to the current 50 stars signifying the present union. The colors of the flag – red for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice – were highlighted as embodying the patriotic and spiritual qualities of the nation's citizens.
A particularly moving segment involved comments typically included in a flag retirement ceremony, with each of the thirteen stripes linked to significant moments and principles in American history, from the ratification of the Constitution to landmark achievements like the moon landing.
The commemoration concluded with several audience members sharing their personal reasons for being proud to be American. Larry Shatteen spoke of his humble beginnings and finding opportunity in the military, emphasizing the freedom to pursue one's destiny in America. Jason Yurek, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, recounted the powerful experience of witnessing Iraqi citizens voting for the first time after the removal of a tyrannical regime. Frank Ruffin, reflecting on his time in the Navy, highlighted the sacrifices made by those serving overseas and the freedoms enjoyed by Americans that are often absent in other parts of the world. Evan Taormina emphasized that true patriotism involves both celebrating the nation's ideals and having the freedom to voice dissent when necessary. The final speaker, Mike Cox, a veteran of multiple tours, shared an anecdote about a German citizen's perception of American violence in the 1980s compared to the restrictions on protests in Germany, underscoring the freedoms protected by the U.S. military.
The 6th annual Independence Day Commemoration by Statesboro VFW Post 10925 served as a meaningful occasion for the community to come together, reflect on the core values of the nation, and honor the sacrifices made to preserve American freedoms.