Saltillo hosting this year's annual Flag Day ceremony Saturday

Local organization Raise the Flag is celebrating its 14th anniversary of promoting pride in Hardin County by showing support for military men and women and encouraging children to demonstrate respect for the United States of America by honoring National Flag Day.

While Flag Day is officially June 14, Raise the Flag activities are being held on Saturday, June 16, to increase attendance opportunities.

The organization’s showcase events include the display of American flags over Pickwick Dam and throughout Savannah and Counce.

“The flags fly from Memorial Day though September each year and are replaced annually to guarantee they are fit to serve as a symbol of the United States,” said Faye Trim, Raise the Flag Committee member.

Saturday, communities throughout Hardin County will host individual flag raising events at 10 a.m., at most Hardin County Fire Departments, which are also holding open house activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

“The fire department wants to participate in events to bring the community together,” said Melvin Martin, Hardin County fire chief.

A centralized flag lowering ceremony will be held at the flag pole at the Tennessee River’s edge at Saltillo at 6 p.m., with assistance from members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. If the weather is bad, the flag lowering ceremony will be moved to the Saltillo Community Center.

A flag retirement ceremony will also be held, conducted by VFW and American Legion.

Guest speakers are State Sen. Dolores Gresham, State Rep. David Byrd, Hardin County Mayor Kevin Davis and Saltillo Mayor Larry Darnell Lowery.

A picnic will follow the ceremony with hot dogs, chips and drinks provided by Hardin County Tourism.