Missouri co-ops fly the flag with patriotism and pride
STORY AND PHOTOS by Jim McCarty
The United States flag is more than cloth stitched in red, white and blue — it is a symbol of everything that makes the USA such a great nation. On July 4, the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted. This milestone gives great significance to flying the flag, something Missouri’s electric cooperatives take to heart.
The flag symbolizes the American dream — the concept that any person can achieve success through hard work and determination. As the 250th anniversary arrives, Old Glory takes on greater meaning. It is a time to fly the flag as we celebrate the birth of the nation. You will find the flag flying over the Show-Me State’s schools, courthouses and businesses. You’ll see it on porches from Rock Port to Kennett and Neosho to Kahoka.
Co-ops Fly the Flag
Nowhere does the flag fly as proudly as it does at Missouri’s electric cooperatives. You’ll see it waving in the wind at electric co-op offices, hung from the booms on bucket trucks in parades and on the stage at annual meetings where directors, staff and members say the Pledge of Allegiance to kick off the meeting.
Like our great nation, electric cooperatives were formed by determined individuals whose hard work pulled their communities up by the bootstraps. They built institutions that today are celebrating as many as 90 years providing electricity to areas where others said it couldn’t be done. And like our federal and state governments, electric cooperatives are governed by duly elected representatives who are members themselves.
It stands to reason that these member-owned and governed businesses would fly the flag so proudly.
During the annual Lineman’s Rodeo sponsored by Missouri Electric Cooperatives a giant version of the Stars and Stripes is the focal point on the rodeo grounds. It forms a perfect backdrop for the rodeo’s events for participants and spectators.
Old Glory has traveled with Missouri lineworkers on international trips where volunteer electric co-op employees “export” the cooperative model to developing countries by building power lines to remote villages. On the final day of these projects, it is a tradition for the linemen to unfurl the flag from the top of the last pole they worked on.
An Act of Remembrance
On a more somber note, flying the flag is also an act of remembrance. It honors the men and women who have worn the uniform of the armed forces, defended freedom and answered the call to serve. On special occasions such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, rows of flags mark the final resting places of those who gave all in the service of their country.
The flag honors farmers, teachers, firefighters, linemen, factory workers, public servants and citizens from all walks of life whose daily work strengthens their communities. In Missouri, where patriotism runs deep through generations, the flag is both a public symbol and a personal one.
Everyone, it seems, has their own reason to hoist Old Glory. Long may it wave.
More about the America250 celebration can be found at www.america250.org.
Email Jim McCarty at jmccarty@ruralmissouri.coop.