Wednesday, September 26, 2001

Local club

encouraged by flag displays

Thank you for

your front-page article on the proper way to fly the American flag. Over

the past week many have looked for ways to show pride in our country and

it has been heartening to see the symbol of freedom and justice flying

from cars, trucks, buildings and displayed in store windows. It was inspiring

to learn that the demand for the flag had cleared the stores of their

supply. What is somewhat disappointing, however, is that such a horrible

act of barbarian incivility had to be the cause of our openly and unashamedly

embracing the basic symbols of our country.

It's been said

that the job of being an American citizen is a 24/7 effort, not just for

the present, but for a lifetime. It is not a task to be shirked - the

responsibility and the work left to others. Many volunteers working with

local civic organizations listed in the community activity sections of

our newspapers man the humming production line in this task of citizenship.

Among these

groups is one whose community service efforts include a strong emphasis

on Americanism. The Exchange Club is a 90-year-old organization that has

encouraged and sponsored Americanism through various club programs such

as the Freedom Shrine , a permanently mounted collection of 28 of

the most important and historic American documents such as the Constitution

and the Declaration of Independence; GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE which distributes

small American flags to youngsters at parades, fairs, picnics, school

events or other community happenings; and Proudly We Hail which encourages

all Americans to properly fly the flag as an ongoing, highly visible expression

of that respect.

I encourage

anyone who wants to help preserve our American heritage and to unite in

service to the community to consider joining us in the Fayette Exchange

Club. We have the spirit, the commitment, and even a few American flags.

For information, feel free to call Jess or Alberta Lucas at 770-719-0879.

God bless America.

Alberta M.

Lucas

Fayetteville