CULLMAN – As the threat of an afternoon, summertime storm passed, the bright blue sky was the background to a few clouds as the sun shone fiercely. The crowd of veterans and citizens, young and old, gathered as the largest American flag in the county was raised in Battleground at Camp Liberty to commemorate Flag Day and the United States Army’s 241st birthday.
In 1916, Flag Day was declared by President Woodrow Wilson to be celebrated every June 14 to honor the adoption of the U.S. flag on that date in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. The U.S. Army also celebrates its birthday on this date.
After asking all of those in attendance who had worn a uniform- firefighters, military, police officers and others- to rise to be honored by a round of applause, Colonel Joseph M. Land, Sr. of Extreme Military Challenge and president of Liberty Communications stated, “Now they taught me in commanders school and all of the rest that I’m supposed to recognize generals and politicians and all of the rest, but the fact of the matter is, with all due respect, the most important people here are these young future leaders.” He was referencing the current attendees of the summer camp.
“All too often you hear about bad teens. I can’t tell you how many times I hear people say that military camps must be for delinquent teens. Absolutely not! These are young people who want to understand loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage – the Army’s values. The fact of the matter is those values are not trademarked. They just mean be a good person. Do good things and step up when you’re needed!”
Measuring 20 feet x 38 feet, the giant American flag at Camp Liberty was raised to its full height on an over 70-foot flagpole before being lowered to half-staff to honor the 49 men and women who were killed and many others who were wounded on June 12 in Orlando, Florida during an act of domestic terrorism.
Camp Liberty’s facility can be host to many different events including weddings, receptions, church camps and retreats, family reunions, company picnics, JROTC cadet leadership programs, SCUBA certification and many more. The camp is also home to Extreme Military Challenge!, a new military-style summer camp for teenagers aged 13-18 who are drug-free, good students and have no criminal record.
For more information on Camp Liberty, please visit their website at www.Camp-Liberty.com. For details about one of their programs, Extreme Military Challenge!, please visit www.XMCCamp.com.
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