Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Nevada Air Guard members Tech. Sgt. Angela Ash, front, and Staff Sgt. Kenneth DuPree prepare for the Five Flag Ceremony during the 2004 Flag Day Ceremony & Celebration if the U.S. Army's 229th birthday Monday morning at the Capitol.
With "Let Freedom Ring" chiming in the background, Carson City honored Flag Day and the Army's 229th birthday Monday.
Old Glory was saluted on the Capitol grounds as veterans reminded the small gathering of its history. Though the state flag lost its footing momentarily and toppled onto speakers' heads, the Stars and Stripes stood true during the brief ceremony.
"It's pretty important for everyone," said Mariah Hartley, 10, who attended the ceremony with her father, Jared Hartley, and her two brothers.
Her father served in the U.S. Navy and Army, and said it was important for his children to watch the traditional observance.
"I want to make sure they know people are working hard to make sure they have the freedom they need," he said.
Marjorie Carrier was presented with a flag for her late husband, Air Force 1st Lt. Frank Salazar, 192 Fighter Squadron, who presumably died when his place was shot down during combat in Korea. Salazar's daughter Diana Brown, who was only 5 when he died, sat by her mother.
The flag was presented by retired Sgt. Maj. James Inman, the first time Carrier had received the flag following her husband's death.
"It was an honor for me to get that today," she said. "It was very nice."
The Army was also recognized for its 229-year history. A handful of soldiers attended, saluting five flags representing the different versions honored through American history.
Nevada Air Guard Non-Commissioned Officer Academy graduate association presented the historical flags, starting from the British flag to Betsy Ross's 13-star version and ending with the flag of today.
A keynote address was given by retired Maj. Gen. Douglas Byington of Sparks, who served in the Naval Reserve and was drafted into the Army in 1955. He earned the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
Inman told the crowd he enlisted in Reno June 1941 as a 21-year-old, making $21 a month. He said when he visits with schoolchildren to tell them about his service, he always reminds them to "Love your God, love your country, and love your family."
"God bless all of you, and God bless the United States of America," he said.
Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.