Austin observes US flag’s 235th birthday

[imagebrowser id=3233]

Amid sweeping winds and cloudy skies, Austin residents gathered outside the Mower County Law Enforcement Center to celebrate a national birthday: that of the American flag.

Thursday marked the 235th anniversary of the present American flag, which was adopted in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. Since that time, the only modifications to the flag have been to add stars for new states, said Norm Hecimovich, Mower County Veterans Memorial Committee chairman.

Boy Scouts raised and lowered the flags during the ceremony, a color guard member played the bugle and recent Austin High School graduate Lauren Jensen sang the National Anthem.

Despite an uncooperative microphone, the sounds of nearby car engines and a case of strep throat she said she was fighting off, Jensen could still be heard by those gathered. She said she enjoyed singing for the ceremony.

“It felt pretty good,” she said.

Hecimovich, guest speaker for the event who has taken part for the past five or six years, said everyone should honor the American Flag.

“When you look at the American Flag, it’s a proud symbol,” he said.

He described the meaning behind each component of the flag, including the 50 stars, which he said represent more than just the 50 states.

“It also stands for the high aspirations all Americans have,” he said.

He also explained how all subordinate flags can rise only after the American flag.

It is important to honor the flag, Hecimovich said, since it is the symbol Americans live under. Many people take that for granted, he said. He expressed concern that only about 30 people attended.

“I think there should have had more people here,” he said. “Without our flag and freedoms, what would we be doing today?”

SportsPlus

Education

As the page turns: Meredith Martin has reveled in the chance to advance reading in young students

Mower County

Broadway stars announced for May 8 concert

Mower County

In Your Community: All 5 Bing-oh! Spring $50 prizes claimed

Mower County

In Your Community: Basketball Mayhem prizes claimed

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

News

Trump administration cuts more than $1.3 million in grants from Minnesota museums, institutions

Mower County

Remembering six special years: Before taking up her first day in new position, Trish Harren Gjersvik looks back on her time in Mower

News

U of M launches vaccine safeguard project amid federal uncertainty

Mower County

Paramount renovation and expansion project hits campaign milestone

Education

PHOTOS: 2nd art exhibit helps raise awareness for food insecurity

Mower County

Early flood drainage report shows options for future prevention

News

Church in Hollandale changes format by streaming services from Twin Cities church, possibly sets new model for other rural churches

Mower County

Riverland Theatre ‘Kicks Off Its Sunday Shoes’ with ‘Footloose the Musical’

Mower County

Council approves Austin Area Arts request to help pay for sidewalk at the Paramount

Mower County

A voice for her ward: Joyce Poshusta looks back at over her time on the council after stepping down

Education

Women’s History Project winners announced

Law Enforcement

In Your Community: APD officers honored with state award

Brownsdale

Brownsdale Study Club holds meeting in April

Mower County

Minnesota families urged to get young children caught up on vaccines

Mower County

Eichorn pleads not guilty to federal solicitation charge

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Austin man charged with murder, manslaughter in drug-related death

Mower County

County honors Harren Gjersvik, say goodbye

Mower County

Application period opens Wednesday to fill Ward Three vacancy