Yalobusha Historical Society Minutes – Feb. 16, 2012

Dr. Edgar

    Yalobusha Historical Society President Mike Worsham welcomed 36 members and guests attending the February meeting.
    Lawrence Litten voiced the prayer. Julia Fernandez requested that stock and baked goods be brought to the March 15 YHS meeting for the March 17 General Store/yard sale. Members were encouraged to buy and sell raffle tickets for a dollar to win a chance on a $100 dollar gift certificate at Spains Grocery.
    Julia Fernandez introduced Dr. Rayford Edgar, optometrist and veterans’ advocate of Water Valley.  Dr. Edgar spoke about flag history and etiquette.
  Dr. Edgar told meeting attendees that Betsy Ross reported sewing the first American flag in May, 1776. On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act:
    “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constell-ation.”
    Dr. Edgar also  noted that no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.  
    The flag represents a living country  and is itself considered a living thing.
   The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
   The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, wa-ter, or merchandise.  
    The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
    The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.  When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder.
    The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Also, Dr. Edgar recalled memories from New Guinea. The Japanese considered New Guinea to be a stepping stone for an invasion of Australia. The American flag hoisted encouraged American soldiers to take New Guinea from the Japanese.
    Concluding, Dr. Edgar noted that one of the most beautiful sights to view is that of the American flag waving in the breeze.
    Anne Hart Morrow’s topic at the March 15 meeting will be the history of West Tallahatchie County.
     Attending the meeting were Dave Hovey, Emma Hovey, Tom Moorman, Alma Moorman, Debby Hughes, Pat Brooks, Kay McCulley, John Moorman, Bob Brooks, Carl H. Vick, Julia Fernan-dez, Francine Pinnix, Ruth Perkins, John Perkins, Thelma Roberts, Bobby Hutchins, Bobbie Hutchins, Sarah H. Williams, Opal Wright, Hugh Bill McGuire, Teresia B. Edgar, Lawrence Litten, Bettie Litten, Rayford Edgar, Joy M. Tippit, Betty Miller, Harold Spraberry, Dollie Smith, Helen Jones, Margaret D. Ross, Terry Wilbourn, Gwen Rotenberry, Jo Davis, Curtis Berry, John Basinger and Stelloise Basinger