PHOTO PROVIDED The flag in Highland Cemetery, and its recently installed light, is seen here.

LOCK HAVEN — Highland Cemetery sits upon 50 acres on top of a mountain overlooking the beautiful Clinton County landscape, notably the lush mountains, community of Lock Haven and the rolling Susquehanna River.

The cemetery boasts a lovely memorial to all of the past and present members of the six armed forces of our military — the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. Members of the cemetery board are so very grateful for all the men and women who serve and keep us safe.

Of the over 9,000 graves in Highland Cemetery, 1,965 are Veterans — a relatively high number of them served in the Civil War as well as other wars. Of those veterans buried in the cemetery, notable figures include Dewitt Johnson, a soldier in the Civil War, who was an honor guard at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral and William (Billy) Raymond, the first African American soldier to serve with a white unit in World War I.

If you haven’t visited Highland in a while, you should, as it is a special historic landmark in our beautiful community. The road at Highland is quiet, overlooked by towering trees and unique monuments, with a peace that contributes to the sense that this is hallowed ground.

Highland’s tribute to our courageous veterans is a peaceful and thoughtful area which was recently renovated. The bronze plaques on the flag pole base are in recognition of the six-armed forces of the United States military. The flag pole and flag are generous donations from Carmen and Terry Banfill.

A recent human-interest story is telling of the wonderful people in our community.

There are certain ways of treating our American Flag with the respect it deserves.

One of the volunteers, on the board of directors, recently purchased a solar light to make sure that the flag at Veteran’s Circle was properly lit at night. After reaching out to a few different fire companies and groups, the volunteer found that no one could reach the top of the flag pole as it was too high and even if they were able to reach it, there was something wrong with the bolts on the top.

The volunteer reached out to Jeff Raymond, a local contractor, who graciously agreed to take a look at the situation. After assessing the problem, Jeff reached out to Pete Wolniak of Action Equipment who didn’t hesitate offering a lift for Jeff to use.

One Saturday morning Jeff and another board volunteer, Abe Stauffer, met at Highland to put the light up, only to find that the lift didn’t reach the top because of the distance to the roadway.

The following Saturday morning Jeff and Abe went back to Highland but this time Jeff had solved the problem. He had gone to one of his worksites and disabled his huge scaffolding, brought it to the cemetery and reassembled it. The flag honoring our veterans is now properly lit at night. This is just a few of the wonderful people who volunteer their time and effort to help Highland Cemetery.

The board is also grateful for our cemetery manager, Dave Wallace, who spends many of his waking hours just caring for Highland and has done this for over 30 years. He is a true volunteer.

“We want to continue to recognize and care for all interred at Highland Cemetery, but we can only do that with the help of the community. We are a non-profit organization and completely volunteer group who want to see Highland thrive,” a release from the board said. “Please help us by volunteering your time or sending your donation to Mrs. Carmen Banfil, Highland Cemetery, Box 93, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Thank you so much for your support.”

How to Show Respect

for the American Flag

Salute the flag whenever it is paraded, when the Pledge of Allegiance is said, or when the National Anthem is played.

Those not in uniform should salute the flag by standing at attention, tall and straight, with the left arm at the side, and placing the right hand over the heart.

Men who are wearing a hat should remove the hat with their right hand and hold it over their shoulder so that their right hand is over their heart.

The flag can be displayed on all days, but should be flown on these days in particular:

— New Year’s Day: Jan. 1

— Inauguration Day: Jan. 20

— Armed Forces Day: Third Sunday in May

— Memorial Day: Last Monday in May

— Flag Day: June 14

— Independence Day: July 4

— Labor Day: First Monday in September

— Constitution Day: Sept. 17

— Veterans Day: Nov. 11

The flag should be lit at all times by an appropriate light source.

The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless designed for inclement weather use.

When displayed against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the Flag’s Union (field of stars) should be uppermost, and to the observer’s left.

The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes.

The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered or printed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.

The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform.

A flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms.

To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be disposed of with reverence. Boy Scouts and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organizations provide this service.