FLAG DAY – Charleston Museum, June 14, 2014

In spite of the dark skies and scattered rain, Charleston South Carolina Fire Department Ladder truck 104 arrived on time at the corner of John and Meeting. Captain Robert Barrineau and his team came to hoist up onto the ladders, a US Flag that flew over Camp Ramadi, Iraq in 2007, to be donated today, and supporting the Charleston Museum’s Raise it UP celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner, which began at 2:30 pm and finished with a world wide sing at 4 PM via a webcast.The US Flag arrived, folded and protected in a saddle bag, in a motorcycle procession lead by the Green Knights, military service members, active or reserve and their dependents, and to sounds of engines roaring. Moments later, the US flag is hoisted, and gently the firefighters raise and move the ladder over the intersection of John and Meeting Streets and the wind took over, with a gentle breeze. Inside the courtyard, the webcast from the Smithsonian– “Raise it Up” began, with the US Air Force Band and a host of other entertainers performing on the screen and sounds through out the courtyard.City of Charleston, Council Member Kathleen Wilson opened up the short program with greetings from Mayor Joe Riley, and then turned it over to, Scott “Dakota” Olsen, member of the Green Knights, who spoke to the meaning of the US Flag, and then shared the background information the US Flag just hoisted up.

“The US Flag outside, flew over Camp Ramadi, Iraq, 2007: 1-3 BTB (BrigadeTroops Battalion), Fort Stewart, Georgia. It is now the 1-3 BSTB (Brigade Special Troops Battalion) Fort Stewart, GA. The name was changed after the deployment to Ramadi and they added several new elements to the battalion. This flag was a gift to Ms. Linda Dennis, Charleston, SC, by the Brigade Command Sergeant Major and his family for her support of their families and youth during the deployments.

Today, following the world wide sing, we will adjourn to the firetruck for the gifting of this flag by the

grandchildren of Ms. Dennis’ – Ruthie, Celia and Hank Davis to the Charleston Museum’s Collection of Flags.”

Grahame Long, Curator of the Charleston Museum spoke to the effort that goes into the archiving of a Flag, and of the present Unfurled Exhibit on display.

Members of the Charleston Men’s Chorus stepped up for a fun rehearsal of the first stanza, and the countdown began to 4 PM! The world wide sing came alive, and the Charleston Museum Courtyard filled with sounds, even the voices of young children.The closing provided all with a glimpse of the protocol that surrounds the handling of the US Flag. Two airmen from the Charleston Joint Base Honor Guard accepted from Captain Barrineau, the US Flag and began to fold it into the traditional triangle.One could hear the clicking of their heels, and see the gloved quick hand movements as they carefully began to fold. The crowd, silent and many stood at attention. When finished, the airman passed back and forth for inspection the folded flag, and side by side they walked over to the

Charleston Museum Sign, where Ms. Ruthie Davis, 5½, standing with her Mother, Caroline Davis, opened her arms and received the flag and then carefully turned and walked it to Grahame Long, Curator, for the gifting presentation.

This special 200th Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner closed in first silence, awe and then all cheering, clapping as they watched on, as a little girl participated and shared her courage and sweetness on this special day in Charleston, South Carolina.

Happy 200th Anniversary – Our Nation’s Anthem!

Special thank you to Channel 5, Charleston, SC for sending out Photojournalist – Steven Messer, who assembled a news story on this event!