Rally for the Flag draws supporters

DAYTON–Nearly 50 peaceably assembled to show support for the flag of our country and historical values at a "Rally for the Flag," held on the sidewalk next to the Dayton Historic Depot on June 25 at 11 a.m.

County Commissioner Chuck Amerein welcomed those in attendance and was followed by Undersheriff and Pastor Robbie Patterson. He spoke about the flag being a banner of freedom that cannot be suppressed. "It is not what the current times make it to be, but is an 'Old Landmark,' referencing the Bible in Proverbs 22:28 which states 'Remove not the ancient landmarks which were established by your fathers,'" Patterson said.

He later went on to say, "Conservatism without Christ will not change this world. The Founding Fathers knew that it had to be the hand of the Creator moving, guiding and acting in what they were saying and what they were doing."

Patterson cited the second stanza from the Declaration of Independence, "All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

The rally was in reaction to the recent removal of a "1776" flag, placed by the Dayton Downtown Development Task Force's Decorating Committee, which erected the Betsy Ross thirteen stripes and thirteen stars flag reproduction on a platform wagon positioned in front of the Dayton Historic Depot. It was intended to be on display from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July weekend, according to a June 9, 2022, Dayton Chronicle letter to the editor submitted by Marcene Hendrickson of Dayton.

In response to complaints over the display of the Betsy Ross flag, area citizens in support of the preservation and protection of historical treasured symbols of America's freedom, came together on the corner of Second and Commercial Streets next to the Dayton Historic Depot Saturday morning.

Instead of celebrating the declaration of this country's independence for which this flag was created, some here claimed the Betsy Ross flag represented white supremacy for the purpose of inciting civil war. As a result, the flag was removed, despite plans to have it up from Memorial Day to Independence Day.

Hendrickson, who is on the downtown decorating committee of Task Force, defended the group's decision to the display the flag for patriotic purpose in a letter to the editor. She argued that it has been displayed during the most recent presidential inaugurations and that the circle of 13 stars which is the distinguishing difference from the more modern national flag is also featured on two state flags and U.S. Foreign Service flag. She stated the flag should be re-installed and she welcomed open discussion on the matter.

Hendrickson clarified that the two letters to the editor regarding this matter were not necessarily the opinion nor position of the Task Force or its Decorating Committee, but were Hendrickson expressing her personal opinions. At letter to the editor stating this appears in this edition.