Love seeing those flags
Every year about this time, as we honor our veterans and observe Thanksgiving, I stop for a moment to express appreciation for the American flags that line our stretch of U.S. Highway 412 through town.
My heart swells with patriotic pride as I drive up the hill east of town and am greeted by a wonderful row of proudly flying flags along this gateway to our city. I always feel as if I'm being escorted through Siloam Springs by these symbols of America. What better statement of allegiance to the nation's ideals could our city leaders make than this constant display of the stars and stripes on the city's utility poles?
We are fortunate that the Siloam Springs Lions Club personally handles this project. They buy and maintain the flags -- with financial help from the city -- and they put them up and replace them when they get tattered and worn, according to proper flag etiquette.
I salute this civic club for their dedication and consistent maintenance of the flags. I know they respond quickly and efficiently when advised of a flag in need of replacement. And the city's use of funds to support this project is entirely justifiable, since the flags enhance our city's image and project the welcoming image we desire to the more than 25,000 travelers who pass through every day.
Our thanks to our city government and the Lions Club for making us proud, and for reminding us of the freedoms we enjoy. May we never take the flag or those freedoms for granted.
Editorial on 11/25/2015