In celebration of Flag Day, and as part of the Flags Across America program, Woodmen of the World Lodge 308 and the Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society invite the public to a patriotic ceremony at Southdown Plantation on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. All local residents are encouraged to join with community leaders, military servicemen, veterans, public officials, and fellow citizens to honor our country and its symbol of freedom. The event will include a flag-raising, reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, gun salute by the United Veterans League, and brief remarks from civic representatives. The free event will be held outdoors at the Buquet Pavilion at Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive near Hwy 311 and St. Charles Street. For more information, contact Carol Collins at 985-872-5147.
Flags Across America is a nationwide event sponsored by the National Flag Foundation, and supported by the Woodmen of the World, in hopes that citizens will create a "Sea of Flags" across the nation. Held every year on Flag Day, June 14, the day is designed to instill a greater sense of patriotism in all Americans, and to bring communities together to celebrate our freedom and liberty. Patriotism and reverence for the American flag are deeply embedded in the culture of the Woodmen of the World fraternal organization, which is why Woodmen supports Flags Across America.
Second only to the United States government in volume of flags purchased each year, Woodmen celebrates and honors the American flag throughout the year, but especially so on Flag Day. Woodmen encourages its lodge members to raise the flag at their lodge hall, homes or places of business; say the Pledge of Allegiance with family members, neighbors, co-workers or fellow members; present flags to deserving organizations in the community; present American Patriot's Handbooks for use in school libraries or newly-named American citizens; or plan celebrations centered around the flag. In 2005, more than 300 Woodmen projects were reported, each representing a ripple in the "Sea of Flags" across our nation. As one of the main supporters of the National Flag Foundation's celebration of Flag Day, Woodmen members make it their mission to spread excitement, passion and reverence for the American flag throughout their communities.
The Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society, which owns Southdown Plantation, is proud to partner with Woodmen of the World for this event to celebrate our national history and heritage. The Society also recognizes and thanks Lodge 308 for their civic projects which have benefited Southdown over the years. These include the donation and installation of flags and flagpoles by the Pavilion, financial contributions for the preservation of the plantation house and improvements of the grounds, and numerous volunteer hours at fundraiser festivals and other community events.