Flag ceremony honors fallen soldiers
Sweetgum – The rainy weather that has loomed over the region gave away long enough for a proper spotlight to be cast.
Veterans, family and friends gathered atop a mountain off Old Tallulah Road, where a 60-foot pole was adorned with a 12' x 18' flag. A barbecue lunch permitted those on-hand the opportunity to fellowship underneath the sunny sky.
Property owner Adam Phillips said he was inspired to carve out a driveway and build the spot in honor of his father, Harold Phillips. Harold turns 80 this year and Adam said he wanted to share the privately-funded project with his dad.
The concept soon morphed into a full-blown celebration of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
"Everybody in the community pitched in," Adam said. "They all came together to make this happen."
The turnout of 20-30 attendees gave Adam optimism that the ceremony could become an annual tradition. Prior to Monday, there had not been a large Memorial Day gathering in Graham County for quite some time.
A Veterans Day ceremony is hosted each November by Robbinsville High School, while the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians also honor Chief Junaluska with an annual Wreath Ceremony, in conjunction with Veterans Day.