Beginning on November 4, more than 7,000 American flags will be displayed across the Cameron University campus in Lawton as a lead-up to the university’s annual observance of Veterans Day. It’s a stunning view that Cameron President John McArthur hopes will attract visitors to campus to acknowledge the service of U.S. service members and veterans.
“Seeing thousands of flags displayed on campus has become one of the most poignant Cameron sights each year,” says McArthur. “The American flag is one of the most powerful symbols of our country, especially when you realize how many Americans have fought to preserve the ideals of democracy represented by the flag. We are grateful to all service members who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom and encourage community members to visit our Lawton campus to honor the patriotism and service of our military.”
The U.S. flag represents the freedoms that the country was founded on: freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of religion. The 13 stripes signify the struggle for independence undertaken by the original 13 colonies, and the colors of the flag have symbolic meaning as well. In 1782, Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, conveyed the meaning of each color when proposing a design for the U.S. Seal, stating, “White signifies purity and innocence; red, hardness and valor; and blue, vigilance, perseverance and justice.”
The CU tradition of displaying American flags on Veterans Day began in 2011. Each year, student volunteers place the flags across campus. The flags will be on display through November 14.
###
PR# 22-147
