The new American flag that flies at the Jimmy Furlow SeniorCitizen Center downtown is not only a symbol of our country, but asymbol of all the things that make it great, officials said at aflag-raising ceremony on Tuesday.

The flag and flagpole were donated to the center by Woodmen ofthe World, and will fly around the clock, lit by a spotlight,weather permitting.

“We really appreciate that Woodmen of the World has chosen todonate this flag and flagpole to us,” said center director NancyRay. “It’s not just to show patriotism here in Brookhaven, but italso serves as a reminder.”

“Old Glory” was presented in a ceremony Tuesday morning in thecourtyard that faces First Baptist Church at the facility on thecorner of South First Street and Cherokee Street. Dignitaries fromthe state Woodmen of the World office were on hand, as well as agathering of city and county officials, local seniors andinterested citizens.

Brookhaven Recreation Department Director Terry Reid said theflagpole was in the ultimate plan for the center when the Woodmenof the World came to the rescue.

“We were hunting a flagpole and (WOW President) Mrs. Johnnie(Jackson) called up and said, ‘We’ve got it,'” said Reid.

Officials said the Woodmen provide flags to worthy non-profitorganizations such as fire departments, parks, playgrounds andother kinds of community centers, and that the senior citizencenter seemed to be a perfect fit.

“This flagpole is special to us as a contribution to thisfacility,” Jackson said. “This will be a wonderful addition to thecommunity.”

Ray said it also meant a lot to her that there was a goodturnout for the event in spite of the extreme heat andhumidity.

“I thought it was a wonderful turnout, and I think it’s greatthat the community could come out and support the senior citizencenter and the Woodmen of the World jointly like this,” shesaid.

The senior citizen center offers a place for seniors to attendclasses, club meeting, and social gatherings, and is open to anyone50 and up. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ray said anyone interested in center activities may call theJimmy Furlow Senior Citizen Center at 601-835-5076.