Ringgold flags fly proudly
A special thank you to the Ringgold High School ROTC group, Mrs. Julia Gaston’s Ringgold Middle School FBLA class, and all the other men and women who came out on a wet Thursday morning to help us show our appreciation to our deceased veterans by raising American flags in their honor. If you haven’t seen the Veterans Day flags flying, drive to Ringgold between now and Nov. 18 to view the sight: Over 900 flags flying majestically, 12 feet high in the air.
For all the good feelings shown by the above citizens of our area, one disgusting act occurred early Thursday morning before the flags were raised. A woman in a silver car was seen stealing five of the specially made metal flagpoles in front of the CVS drug store at Highway 41 and Highway 151. Our consolation is that the Bible says we will all stand before God’s judgment seat and give an account for ourselves.
We can use your help on Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. as we take the flags down.
PETE PEDIGO
Ringgold, Ga.
Build on success of Head of Hooch
This past weekend, athletes came from all over the country to the Scenic City for the country’s second-largest rowing regatta.
I met a couple at the event from Sarasota, Fla., who told me a story that encapsulates the wonderful changes Chattanooga has enjoyed over the last several decades. A few years ago, their daughter’s rowing team came to Chattanooga for the Head of the Hooch. The last time they had been to Chattanooga was in the 1970s, so they were skeptical that young rowers would gather in such an industrial city with limited cultural offerings. They came, though, and were shocked at the revitalization that had happened in 30 years.
They’ve come back every year for the last four, spending four-day vacations going to our attractions, restaurants and hiking in the mountains around Chattanooga.
Head of the Hooch, in one weekend, brings nearly $5 million for our local businesses (per Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) and has grown 86 percent since coming here in 2005.
Our city was blessed with great leadership in revitalizing downtown and the riverfront so we can host such events. Let’s keep the Head of the Hooch coming and build on its success.
DAVE SANTUCCI
Local rower
Is prayer idea unconstitutional?
Bravo, bravo (“Rotate prayers among religions,” Nov. 4). I had thought the same thing, only not as detailed as your letter laid it out. Since you need to pray out loud and express the views of all the community, then let them all take one Friday night to do their own version of prayer.
The Christians shouldn’t really mind that anyway. After all, doesn’t their Bible and the whole Christian teaching express forgiveness and tolerance of others?
The only problem I see, however, since you mentioned the Unitarians, is that they embrace all forms of religious expression. Wouldn’t that make the whole exercise a Unitarian Universalist practice? If so, wouldn’t that be just as unconstitutional as what they do now?
DAVID M. SMITH