Opening Flag Ceremony
Adapted by Verneene Forssberg
(Opening Ceremony for Annual State Convention of the Wyoming State Council)
As we gather to open the Wyoming State Convention of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, let us pause this morning to reflect upon all the blessings in our lives and the difference we make in the lives of others. Let us lift our hearts and minds in respect to the symbols of our nation and state, which are symbols of our heritage, our beliefs, and our ideals. The ESA chapter is the true building block of our organization – the chapters and individual members that represent our sisterhood form the very core of this organization – the chapter is the foundation upon which all of our good works, accomplishments and fellowship are based.
September 11, 2001, -- no date since December 7, 1941 has had such an impact on our nation or on our world. But if history has taught us anything about this great country it is that we shall rise up in the face of those who would strive to destroy all that we believe in, not only believe in but have proven time and time again that we are proud and willing to die for – the right of every American to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. The right to freedom of speech, religion, press – the right to have an opinion and to have that opinion heard. So even today as the battle for human dignity and freedom continues to be fought on foreign shores –each American - those who agree and those who disagree with the war in which we are engaged – stand united in one consuming belief that as Americans we are blessed to be citizens of the greatest democracy – the greatest nation on earth – The United States of America! We are all honored, all proud and always first and foremost despite any political, religious, cultural or economic differences – AMERICANS.
What is an American?
An American … is one who believes in the rights of men and women of whatever creed, class, color or ancestry to live as human beings with the dignity inherit to all of mankind throughout the world.
An American … is one who believes in the right to be free not only from the crushing coercions of dictatorships and regimentation, but free for the way of life where man may think and speak as they choose and worship God as they see fit.
An American … is one who believes in the right to vote, the right to work, the right to learn, the right to live and, what is equally important, an American believes in the right to be different; for we know that if we ever lose the right to be different – the right to individual expression - we lose the right to be free and all the benefits that freedom affords.
An American … is one who believes in democracy, not only for us, but for each and every American. American democracy speaks not simply to the rule of the majority, but encompasses the rights of the minority – and celebrates those rights not because it is expected of us but because it is the right thing to do.
An American … is one who believes in the responsibilities of privilege. What we ask for ourselves, we graciously grant to others; what we demand from others, we are willing to give ourselves; we know that as we expect respect – we freely give it to all that have earned our trust. We are Americans – we believe not in the right to live and let live but in the pledge to live and help others live a life of quality, purpose and reward.
As an American please stand and honor our nations flag – the flag of the United States of America presented this morning by: Kay Munger, President of the Wyoming State Council.
Begin Music and play until flag is posted.
Our flag…. Born of revolution, symbolized the original 13 colonies with red and white strips and a blue canton with 13 stars. These first bold and beautiful stars and stripes represented our desire as citizens of the New World for freedom, as we sought our independence from the tyranny of Great Britain. Old Glory would fly high and proud as the first blood of patriots would be spilled to insure liberty and justice for all.
From that day to this, the dedication, purpose, and all to the often the very lives of our fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters have added to our flags history and glory. Their spirits and sacrifice fill all of us with pride every time our eye catches the sight of an American flag shining in the sun, hanging on the wall, or posted in a school, meeting room or flying high at a sporting event – always and forever reminding us that we are privileged, anointed and blessed to be Americans. Today our flag proudly boasts those same 13 stripes lest we never forget the foundation of our liberty and 50 stars, one added to the original 13 each time a new state joined the Union – 50 states united in the common goals of dignity, freedom and humanity. Separate, yet equal - Americans all. A flag recognized more than any other in all the world – respected, envied and because of the unparalleled quality and equality of life it represents, often feared. For there can be no nation on earth that does not know that this flag of 13 stripes and 50 glowing, radiant stars will continue to be the symbol of freedom, the friend of the oppressed and the enemy of tyranny. Flying in the hearts of each proud American our flag – Old Glory – the red, white and blue.
Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. ______you may post the flag.
You may be seated.
The Wyoming State flag will be presented this morning by ______, President of the Wyoming State Council
I liken it to the Golden Aspen.
I sat under heaven’s ceiling of blue inhaling the perfume of nature,
On a bench made by man from the timber of life, a gift from God.
In gratitude, I said a silent prayer of thanks for this church ofsight and sound, that had heightened my awareness andsoothed my needy soul.
Never again would my eye be drawn to anything yellow thatI would fail to be drowned in a flood of memories,Of a special place – a special time.
Where under a magical tree of gold, as I sat shaded by the wisdom of its’ sheltering branches, I came to know that a memory cannot take root within the heart unless it isplanted by the loving hands of a friend.
Where I had always possessed the hope to dream, on that morning, under that
tree of gold, I acquired the faith to make my dreams come true.
______please post the flag
This morning the ESA flag is carried by International Council ______
I am the flag of Epsilon Sigma Alpha – I represent the legacy and heritage of our founders. I am almost 80 years old and in my day I have seen great prosperity, hardship, war, the great depression. I have seen women change and grow and take their places besides the giants of industry, education, medicine and technology.
From the vision of Adele Pritchard, I have grown into a viable force – creating opportunities for women to challenge themselves in a climate of support and understanding. I have empowered all of you to look deep within yourself, and know that you truly can and do make a difference. I celebrate the mother, sister, wife, daughter, friend – I celebrate, the teacher, housewife, lawyer, caregiver, nurse, doctor, clerical worker, factory worker, and waitress. I celebrate the young and old of every faith, color, and creed from every cultural, social and economic background. I celebrate woman! I celebrate you – I celebrate ESA.
I bring hope to the hopeless, joy to those in need and the sound of laughter back to those deafened by the darkness of despair. I dry the eyes of children devastated by the pain of cancer and hold out the hand of friendship to all.
I am your flag of blue and gold. I pay tribute to the handclasp; I pay tribute to the open book unfolding a wealth of knowledge. I pay tribute to the candles of the crest symbolizing our compassion for others. I shall ever wave for you ESA, spreading the word of our love and sisterhood.
______please post the flag.
The All Faiths flag is presented by ______
We honor this flag representing all faiths and our right to worship as we choose. This flag is the symbol of the brotherhood of all mankind. Each and every creed believes in a spiritual deity, who created the universe and all life in it. And that life is diverse in essence, ideals, culture and the probably most diverse in the belief of what is to follow when we leave this earthly home. But if we are true believers – if we have faith that we are all bound to each other as brothers and sisters for the time we are here, then to show our faith we must always accept one another. Accept one another – not in spite of our imperfections but because of them; not in spite of our differences but because of them; not in spite of our frailties but because of them – it is not that which we have in common with others that makes us special or unique – it is those special and unique qualities we possess apart for others that makes it possible for each of us to create and pass on a legacy unlike any other.
______you may post the flag.
______will present the ESA Foundation Flag.
Serving the World Community Because We Care – what a noble and lofty mission. The ESA Foundation by its very existence offers us the opportunity to perpetuate or common goals and ideals, by developing programs to scholarship and educate those who hunger for knowledge and a better life; programs for women to enrich their lives and enhance their awareness of the opportunities available for them. The Foundation challenges us to look beyond the boundaries of our everyday lives to the needs of the world around us and shows us the way to make a difference. The ESA Foundation recognizes the strength of women and celebrates its’ power.
It is hard to imagine the lives that have been impacted by the ESA Foundation from its’ Adapt Program, Women Helping Women and of course the scholarship program that offers the gift of an education to those seeking a better life. As with any gift that touches a life and a heart with hope and trust – all of these programs aim to and achieve the betterment of the human condition.
As hard as it is to imagine the impact of those programs on the lives of others, it is unfathomable to comprehend just what the ripple effect of that impact has been and will continue to be on the world around us. For every life that is made better by the generosity of a caring heart touches a hundred others. They bring hope and skill and productivity into all the communities where they live and work and play.
The ESA Foundation truly serves the World Community because all of you care.
______post the flag.
The flags and banners presented this morning are symbolic of all that is good and true in the hearts of ESA women. No women on earth have a greater sense of the importance of giving of ourselves to others for the betterment of all mankind.
We give of ourselves when we gifts of the heart; love, kindness, joy, understanding, sympathy, tolerance, forgiveness
We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the mind; ideas, dreams, ideals, principles, plans, inventions, projects, music, and poetry.
We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the spirit; prayer, vision, beauty, aspiration, peace, and faith.
We give or ourselves when we give the gift of time – that precious commodity that we so willing share so that minute by minute we are builders of a more abundant life for others.
We give of ourselves when we gift the gift of good works; encouragement, inspiration, guidance, wisdom and the always-outstretched hand of compassion.
This weekend as we enter the room and feel the power represented by these flags we hold so dear, let us recommit ourselves to our mission and our purpose – to remember only the important and discard the petty. To ask that we will be blessed with insight and unselfish dedication to the tasks ahead and that we be guided by the mutual regard and high esteem in which we hold each other.