Military leaders commemorate Flag Day

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Hansen
  • 341 Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  June 14 is recognized across the United States as the day to formally pay respects and honor the three colors that Americans fly proudly in their skies every day.

Members of the Great Falls community, along with Air Force Global Strike Command and Montana Air National Guard Airmen, gathered at the Great Falls visitor's center Tuesday morning to celebrate Flag Day.

After hearing a brief history of the flag and creation of the Star Spangled Banner, the people attending the event watched proudly as the 30-by-50-foot flag was raised 110 feet off the ground into Montana's 'Big Sky.'

"Whenever the flag is raised, we are reminded of our unity in the great cause of liberty and justice for all," said Brig. Gen. (Sel) Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing commander, in a speech given at the ceremony. "Our nation's flag is hung proudly in homes and schools, honored in parades and stadiums... folded at the graves of heroes who either gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms our flag dearly represents, or offers the final salute to the old warriors who protected our freedoms with distinction."

General (Sel) Cotton was one of two guest speakers at the ceremony to honor the flag; the other was Brig. Gen. Bradley Livingston, the Assistant Adjutant General for the Montana Air National Guard.

"Freedom is not a resting place, but a constant goal spurring us on to greater achievements," General Livingston said. "America has always recognized our historic responsibility to lead the march of freedom."

After a tribute song performed by the Treasure Statesmen's Barbershop Chorus, the ceremony showing respect for America's flag was concluded with a flyover by a formation of F-15s from MANG.

Flag Day is one day dedicated to the three colors, 13 stripes and 50 stars that fly every day in honor of the sacrifices made to secure the freedom of Americans. As American's it's important to understand, recognize and acknowledge the meaning of Old Glory - not only on Flag Day, but every time it can be seen flying high in honor of our freedom.