Claiborne of Hattiesburg, flag raising ceremony

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Claiborne of Hattiesburg invited its residents and some military personnel to honor America and its men and women in uniform by having a flag raising.

Amber Palir, Claiborne of Hattiesburg director of activities said, "I just think they given so much in their lives and they made such a big sacrifice. I think that they definitely deserve the honor."

For one veteran, the ceremony had a lot of meaning.

Veteran, William Denkler said, "The ceremony was close to my heart and I know they've been working on it for a long time and a lot of us here appreciate this, and sometimes feel that we're left out or not recognized, but this erases that, and it was a wonderful ceremony."

The Stars and Stripes has a rich history of brave men and women sacrificing their lives for the betterment of this country.

Veteran, Willis Maples said, "That flag represents our country. That flag represents all those who have served from 1775 to the present day. And make no mistake, that flag people have bled and died for that flag, and we'll continue to do that."

Leighton Jones, Claiborne of Hattiesburg executive director, said the veterans at the Claiborne brought the flag raising ceremony idea about a month ago and he is happy to see them recognized and honored.