In celebration of a powerful symbol

The image of the American flag could be seen everywhere, including tiny versions hung on car windows, T-shirts bearing its likeness or the 65-by-120-foot replica on C Hill.

Wednesday morning, approximately 60 people gathered at the base of C Hill to honor the flag and the first responders who have pledged to protect it and its citizens.

Nevada Office of Veterans Services Executive Director Tim Tetz spoke of the flag's importance following trying times in U.S. history, including Sept. 11, 2001.

"The image burned into our memories is the firefighters who raised the flag over the ruins of the World Trade Center," Tetz said. "It was this flag, the flag draped across the gash in the Pentagon, and our first C Hill flag that represented our spirit to forever remember the sacrifices of those who gave so much."

The ceremony included remarks by members of several first-responder organizations including the Carson City Fire Department, Carson City Sheriff's Department and Nevada Department of Forestry.

"Our flag is made up of thousands of individual threads and stitches. None of them separately are anything more than a thread or a stitch, but put them together and they make the American flag," said NDF representative Pete Anderson. "As individuals, we may not accomplish that much, but if we join together, work together, and stick together, we can move the world."

C Hill Flag Foundation President Robin Williamson hoped the ceremony would honor "those who put their lives on the line and put the safety of the community first."

The ceremony also served as the one-year anniversary of the new flag being installed on C Hill. It took three years to make the idea of a flag on the hill overlooking Carson City a reality.

Flag Foundation member Gil Ayarbe said he was impressed with the turnout for the inaugural event.

Following the ceremony, participants were treated to a sweeter version of the national symbol with a red, white and blue cake.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.