Commander Stephenson read President Bush's Flag Day Proclamation. The Invocation was given by Minister Mark Cook. Later Stephenson read the Story of the Pledge of Allegiance to the audience, part of which was included on the program:
"On June 20, 1985, the Ninety- Ninth Congress passed and President Reagan signed Public Law 99-54 recognizing the PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE as part of National Flag Day activities. It is an invitation urging all Americans to participate on Flag Day, June 14, 7:00 PM (EDT) in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance."The audience stood, placing right hands over their hearts, and joined en mass in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance:
"I 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 program ended with a Bugle Call - Taps, and a Benediction by Minister Cook.
Lively music was provided by The Country Troubadours.
One of the Troubadour's guitarists, veteran Gene Beret, told the crowd that he was glad to see our service men and women welcomed home from the war, and not the way returning soldiers and military personnel were treated during the Vietnam War. He asked everyone to pray for America and ask for God's blessings for our great nation.
Madison's American Legion Post has about 75 members. They are starting an Auxiliary and looking for new members.
Eric Stevens and Post Commander Gerald Stephenson
Madison American Legion Post 157
Posts
