CRESTVIEW — For Young Marine Sgts. Ashton Normand and Michaela Cantwell, each time they carry Old Glory or escort it in the organization’s color guard renews their love of country.
“To be able to carry the flag and call the commands and hold the American flag up high, it shows our national pride,” Ashton said. “It’s a great feeling and a great experience.”
Michaela, who bore the American flag in Monday’s “Stand Up and Say the Pledge” ceremony, said, "To me, it’s feels like a sense of pride. We’re lucky to be able to carry the flag. Some people can’t do that.”
Mayor David Cadle hosted the annual ceremony, which the Exchange Club of Crestview presents each Presidents’ Day at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial.
About 30 residents — including city leaders, Exchange Club members, Cub Scouts, mayoral candidates, teachers and veterans — paused under leaden, blustery skies for the 12-minute ceremony.
During his invocation, City Council President Shannon Hayes said, “Today we’re here thanking you, God, for our flag, a flag that unites all Americans as one.”
Southside Center teacher Cassie Johnson sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Emerald Coast Young Marines adviser Lynn Dominique recited Joanna Fuchs’ poem, “Our Flag Flies High,” and Cadle read her “Old Glory” before the assembly solemnly placed their right hands over their hearts and recited the familiar Pledge of Allegiance.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Pledge ceremony renews Crestview residents’ American spirit