By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The YMCA of Chilton County celebrated Flag Day on June 14 with help from the American Legion Post 6 and VFW Post 3193.

Representatives from each post led YMCA summer campers in lowering the building’s old American flag and folding it. One child stood on each corner to fold the flag into a triangle. A new flag was then raised on the flag pole.

Jerry Grooms of American Legion Post 6 asked the children if they knew why Flag Day is observed. One said it was to honor our freedom. Another said it was to honor the veterans.

“Whenever you see a flag lowered or raised, you need to stand,” Grooms said.

As the flag was raised, campers were told that if a flag ever touched the ground it had to be burned.

The group then went inside to hear more about the flag. Grooms asked students what the flag represents. Several students answered that it stood for freedom.

Grooms told the students more about flag etiquette and the history of the flag.

“If a flag is flown outside, it is supposed to have a light shining on it,” Grooms  s said.

Flags should not be flown in the rain. Grooms  said whenever a flag passes in a parade people need to put their hand over their heart in salute.

The 50 stars inside a blue field represent the 50 states.

“What two astronauts took the flag to the moon?” Grooms asked.

A camper correctly answered Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Grooms said when a flag is flown upside down it means someone needs help.

“If you are one a deserted island and you fly an American flag upside down, someone will come help you,” Grooms said.

Several campers had the opportunity to practice folding the flags.