SMITHVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) -- Woodmen of the World and Smithville leaders come together to salute America's heroes during a special presention Sunday as the community received an American flag.
"We selected Smithville to do their part," added Joyce Holcomb, president of Lodge 147. "They have gotten new equipment and they needed a flag pole. We selected them this year to honor them."
One of two flags that was presented to the town of Smithville is the Flag of Honor.
This flag contains the name of every person who died in the September 11 terror attacks and this flag will be flown at the Smithville Fire Department.
"It is a treasure and it also brings back memories of that day," adds Gregg Kennedy, mayor of Smithville. "It hit home. This will be proudly displayed. I am going to give it to our fire chief and it will be proudly displayed inside our fire department as a reminder of just how fragile life is."
Just like the country mourned following the attack on 9/11 through time and rebuilding there is healing, which is something the town of Smithville can relate to following the tragedy in April 2011, when a massive tornado caused widespread destruction.
"People here are standing together," adds Edna Cox, Smithville resident. "They are trying to do everything they can to build our town back after the tornado. We're a close-knit family and I just hope it always stays that way."
"We continue to grow and we got a lot of things going on," added Kennedy. "We're looking at 16 months right now. We're growing. It's just going to take time and the good Lord willing, we'll be back."
The American flag that was presented to the town will fly at Rod Brasfield Park.
