The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" #38: 6-14-23
VOLUME 2023 June 14, 2023 NUMBER 37
Meeting at Optimist Park
First Vice-President Bill Wisdom welcomed the membership, Jerry Banaka offered the blessing, followed by the Flag Salute.
Introduction of Visitors and Special Guests
Bill Wisdom recognized the Boy Scout Troup 284 from College Avenue United Methodist Church and visitor Brad Horchem, who is considering joining.
Flag Day Presentation
Clyde Scott mentioned that 100 years ago today, the protocol for the flag was created. He then introduced Jerry Banaka, who presented information on the memorial at Optimist Park and what it represents.
Second is the permanent memorial stone with the following inscription: “Dedicated to the loyal members who have served the Manhattan Optimist Club.” The memorial was created by Clyde Scott and Keith Behnke in 2020 and is located in a very prominent area with beautiful landscaping.
Jerry shared some thoughts on the purpose of a memorial from Josh Ketchum which are consistent with what Clyde and Keith envisioned when creating the memorial.
First, memorials help us remember our history. They help us remember all that has been done by our Club since its founding to serve the youth of Manhattan. We have many stories to tell. Founders were told almost 65 years ago that an Optimist Club was not needed. The youth of Manhattan are fortunate our founders did not listen to the negative voices. Our founders sold Christmas trees from the back of a trailer pulled around town as the first fundraiser. Founders were responsible for the successful launch of the MHS Pops Choir and transported choir members to performances in their cars. Members sold Christmas Trees at Longs Park for many years, then developed and enhanced Optimist Park with Bob Brummett Field, along with several other fields. Christmas tree sales were moved to Optimist Park, flooding ruined fields and fences and members made recovery efforts. And recently, the two clubs merged and consolidated programs and members.
Second, memorials call us to gratefulness and thanksgiving. Josh Ketchum reminds us that in some cases we are drinking out of wells we did not dig. Our Optimist Park Memorial expresses our gratefulness for what has been done over the years and what is currently being done in service to youth in this community. Also, for the friendships established with those who have passed and those we enjoy today. For members who agree year after year to serve as officers, directors, committee chairs, project leaders, etc. and members who always respond to serve as needed. We are grateful for the dedication of Bruce Bidwell, Jim Franke, and Steve Boeckman to Optimist Park and its upkeep.
The third purpose of the memorial is to challenge us. This memorial challenges us to live differently. Each week we accept this challenge when we recite the Optimist Creed at the close of our meetings. We are challenged to continue to seek new ways to serve youth and to carry out our programs in the most professional manner possible.
In closing, we honor our memorial by remembering our history, remaining grateful, and challenging ourselves to live differently.
Jerry Banaka concluded his presentation on the flag memorial with a moment of silent reflection from the group.
Clyde Scott introduced Boy Scout Troup 284 to perform the flag retirement of a well-worn flag, the respectful disposing of the worn flag, and the posting of the new flag.
Flag Retirement:
Boy Scout Troup 284 from College Avenue United Methodist Church presented an overview of the flag, flag etiquette, and the flag retirement procedure. Below are the scout’s presentation notes.
“The U.S flag is more than just some brightly colored cloth, it is a symbol of our nation. This flag has served its nation well and long. It has worn to a condition in which it should no longer be used to represent the nation. This flag represents all of the flags collected and being retired from service today. The honor we show here this afternoon for this one flag, we are showing for all of the flags, even those not physically here.”
“Seven red stripes and six white stripes; together, they represent the original 13 colonies that gained us liberty.”
“The red stripes remind us of the lifeblood of brave men and women who were ready to die for their country.”
“The white stripes remind us of purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed.”
“The blue is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens. The stars represent the fifty sovereign states of our union.”
“The US flag should be treated with respect when it’s flying and should be treated with respect when being retired.”
“The American Creed states, it is my duty to my country to love it, to respect its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its Flag, and to defend it against all enemies."
“Therefore, we retire flags with dignity and respect when they become worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled.”
“This flag is ready to be retired.”
The Color Guard retrieved the flag to be retired and took it to the table and held it taut on each corner over table while being cut.
“This flag was first raised three years ago for this memorial garden at Optimist Park in memory of all Optimist Club members who have passed on from this life.”
The adult leader cut the flag vertically then horizontally around the blue edge.
“A flag ceases to be a flag when it is cut into pieces. We cut the flag into four pieces: three red and white striped banners and the blue star field banner. We leave the blue field intact because it represents the union of the 50 states, and no one should ever let that union be broken.”
All pieces are placed in fire and the scouts salute the flag in the fire when the last piece is dropped into the fire.
“The Scouts will maintain a vigil over the fire until no traces of the flag remnants remain. Then the ashes will be collected and buried.”
Taps was played by Gary Lloyd.
“We will now raise the new flag to be flown here at Optimist Park on the 14th day of June in the year 2023 in memory of all members of the Optimist club who have passed from this life.”
The Color Guard comes to attention, advances, and posts the new flag.
“This concludes our portion of the ceremony. Thank you for attending.”
The adult leader thanked the Optimist Club for choosing BSA Troop 284 and Pack 284 to serve the Optimist Club by respectfully retiring your old flag; all the scouts were very honored.
Announcements and Upcoming Events
Mike Fincham announced that Juneteenth will be set up on Friday. At 10:00 they will pick up items from Pepsi Cola, who donated 240 bottles of water and the use of their coolers, then go to City Park to set up.
Tom Hintz announced on August 18th and 19th our Optimist Club is hosting the Kansas District Optimist Meeting. It is tradition that the hosting club has a picnic on the first night, August 18th. The Club will provide roast pork and the Club members will provide side dishes. There will probably be 15-20 members from other clubs attending. Please reserve this date.
Bill Wisdom announced the Aggieville Chili Crawl is October 14th; please save this date.
Adjourned with the Optimist Creed at the monument at Optimist Park.
Next Week’s Program – Wednesday June 21st at 7:00 AM
Dr. Robert Smith, Curator, Ft. Riley Military Museums: Re-opening of US Cavalry and 1st Infantry Museums