Today, as part of our volunteer duties here at Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area, we greeted sixteen visitors. With the visitors help we raised and lowered the flag six times today. Each time we told them about the history of our special 31 star flag. It represents the US Flag that was in use when the US Army Fourth Infantry built Fort Yamhill on this hillside overlooking the Grand Ronde Valley. Each time I played the bugle and demonstrated the bugle calls appropriate to that moment in history in 1856. California had just become a state in 1851, Oregon wouldn’t become a state for three more years in 1859. Fort Yamhill was a frontier fort set between the natives and the settlers trying to keep the peace.

Today is the fourth of July, 2012 and a hundred and fifty six years after the first Independence day celebrated in this location. Perhaps they too had an idyllic summer’s day, just like we did. Perhaps, like us, they had visitors from among the settlers and the native tribes in the region. Some of our visitors were current or past members of the armed forces. With their children they raised and lowered the flag. What a privilege to be here and be a part of their day. They all thanked us profusely and you could see that it was a special moment for these visitors.
Perhaps there are some things about our country that need improving. When you stop and reflect for a few moments I hope you will agree with me. What an incredible, wonderful country we are privileged to live in. I am almost moved to tears over my experiences today. God Bless America.
Love to all, Gary and Judy Dinsmore