Five Flags Over Huntsville

By Jessica Northam

With the nearing of Veterans Day, the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum hosted a flag dedication ceremony to honor the men and women who have served our nation. Organized by Jeff Bradley, and executed by the great staff at the HEARTS Veterans Museum, the ceremony brought in some of our elected officials and many local notables.

Mark Robinson, the director of the HEARTS Museum, began the ceremony. The Huntsville Men’s Choir led “The Star-Spangled Banner” and everyone joined in.  A few special guests were introduced: Senator Charles Schwertner; Mayor of Huntsville Andy Brauninger; Todd Stevens, the District Director for Congressman Brady; and others.

Following the introductions, the flags were dedicated.  The United State Army Flag was donated by Champe and Virginia Miller in honor of Captain Robert H. Rucker and Captain William A. Miller. The United States Navy Flag was donated by Phyllis and Walt Pinegar in honor of W.M. Bill Pinegar and W.E. Walt Pinegar. The United States Marine Corps Flag was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Freeman in honor of Captain Stephen P. Freeman. The United States Air Force Flag was donated by Sue Trammell Whitfield in honor of William F. Whitfield. Lastly, the United States Coast Guard Flag was donated by Tom and Charlotte Oleinik in honor of Clarence Magee.

While the flags were being raised, the Huntsville Men’s Choir sang the Armed Forces Medley. It was a beautiful ceremony full of love, respect, and pride for our country.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the guests were welcomed into the Museum for refreshments and desserts. In order to continue honoring of veterans and the Armed Forces, the HEARTS Museum remained open with free admissions until noon that day. Some wandered through the museum enjoying the articles from past wars and learning about our military’s history, while others enjoyed conversation with current military members and veterans who were in attendance.

As noon came around, people began to shuffle out and thanked the staff for a wonderful ceremony.

With the flags flying high and the echo of the Men’s Choir’s chants resonating in our ears, we all made our way out from the Museum feeling proud of attending the ceremony.

Author: mikeyawn

Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion. He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film. He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram. Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors. In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation. View all posts by mikeyawn