FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – The American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 along with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command Color Guard conducted the ceremony to retire and replace the U.S. flag on March, 17 at the Bobby Hayes Baseball Field at Pelham High School between the first and second games of the double header between the Panthers and Helena High School.

Retired Maj. Gen. James Darden, Army Reserve ambassador and former commanding

general of the 87th Golden Acorn Command, was the special guest for the ceremony and threw out the first pitch to start the second game.

This flag has flown over each of these players and families during their high school careers while playing as part of Pelham High School.

American Legion members retired Command Sgt. Maj. Barry Blount, Sgt. 1^st Class Tim Atchenson, Jim Hendley, Richard Kaster, Ron Koonce, Staff Sgt. David Lee, Tom McDaniel, Alan Phillips, Don Seibert and William Wigginton attended the event.

U.S. Army Recruiting Command Color Guard members Sgt. 1st Class James Kuppersmith, Staff Sgt. David Lee, Staff Sgt. Courtney Perry, Staff Sgt. Christopher Stevenson and Sgt. Michael Chambers served as flag detail.

Staff Sgt. Tyrell Mays served as the vocalist for the ceremony.