Scouts raise flag at Alabaster’s Stagecoach Trace neighborhood

Published 4:11 pm Monday, July 2, 2018

FROM STAFF REPORTS

ALABASTER – Troop 20 of the Boy Scouts of America joined the Stagecoach Trace Residential Association and approximately 30 community members on Saturday to raise the American flag, salute Old Glory and celebrate the freedoms cherished by all Americans.

The flag flies atop a new flagpole that was assembled by Stagecoach Trace residents as part of the neighborhood’s continuous efforts to maintain the beauty and attractiveness of the 155-home subdivision.

“This is a diverse and welcoming community. We have families from a wide range of backgrounds. But we’re all Americans, and we take great pride in this great nation,” said Stagecoach Trace Residential Association President Dennis Bogart.

“We’ve always worked hard to keep the Stagecoach Trace entryway and common areas in great condition, and we’ve shared seasonal displays and holiday decorations around our entrance in the past,” Bogart added. “As we approached the Fourth of July this year, we thought this would be an ideal time to establish a permanent display that recognizes our pride in America and the value we place on the freedoms that we all enjoy as Americans.”

The 20-foot flagpole is topped by a dusk-sensing, solar-powered LED fixture that illuminates the flag each night. The flag itself was unfolded, fastened and raised by a color guard from Troop 20 of the Boy Scouts of America, which is based at First Presbyterian Church in Alabaster. Dennis Rollins serves as scoutmaster. Bob Miller serves as assistant scoutmaster and directed the color guard members at the flag-raising ceremony.

“We work to instill in these young men a strong sense of pride in our community – and in our country,” Miller said. “Our troop is focused not only on building skills, but also on building character. It is encouraging to see these young men develop a deep patriotism toward our nation and true respect for the sacrifices that were made to establish and protect America’s freedom. It was truly our honor to join the people of Stagecoach Trace in a proper, fitting tribute to our flag.”

The flag will remain on display permanently in the entryway of Stagecoach Trace at the corner of Shelby County 12 and Sunset Trail in Alabaster, adjacent to Meadow View Elementary School.