During a drive down Hixson Pike, members of American Legion Post 159 counted 13 American flags being flown in front of businesses along the road. Wayne Belk, Post Adjutant, acknowledged they didn’t drive the length of Hixson Pike, but said 13 was far too few.
“It was nowhere near what I would have hoped,” Belk said.
Their plan to promote patriotism within the business sector is the newly minted Proud to Fly the Flag initiative, which honors businesses and restaurants in the Hixson area that properly display the Stars and Stripes.
Paco Fotiadis, co-owner of 2 Crazy Greeks, was recently named the April winner of the program. His brother Nicky, who co-owns the restaurant with him, is a 28-year veteran of the Navy.
“It’s an honor to be recognized like that,” Paco Fotiadis said. “Me and my brother came as immigrants in 1961 and were raised here. We’re proud to be Americans and it’s important to show that.”
Belk said through trying to encourage more businesses to raise the colors, Post 159 is looking to raise awareness for everyone about our nation’s flag.
“It used to be you almost couldn’t pass a business without seeing a flag in front of it,” he said. “I hope this will be a good reminder to folks of the way we used to look upon our flag.”
The prerequisites for commendation from Post 159 don’t just include flying the flag, but flying it respectfully and in accordance with the Flag Code. A few Flag Code rules include never wearing clothing emblazoned with the flag, always raising it swiftly and lowering it solemnly, and taking it down during inclement weather.
Belk said Post 159 got the idea after reading about a similar program in Massachusetts in the American Legion’s official magazine. That program grew from a monthly award into a weekly event that was featured through radio and television, he said. Post 159 is looking for similar growth with its program.
“Everyone is so busy now that I don’t think people realize that we’re not showing [the flag] the respect it deserves,” said Belk.