Massing of the Colors

On Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. the Fort Worth Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars will sponsor the 28th annual "Massing of the Colors" ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102.. 

The event, open to the public, is a patriotic, non-denominational, interfaith service held in conjunction with Veteran's Day which memorializes all those who have sacrificed their lives at home and abroad in wars waged for the preservation of our freedom and the American way of life. 

The featured speaker is Captain T. D. Smyers, Commanding Officer, NAS JRB, Fort Worth

The ceremony was originally initiated by the Society of the Massing of the Colors in New York on Armistice Day (now Veteran's Day). For the past 55 years, however, the impressive ceremony has been synonymous with the Military Order of the Worlds Wars and has been celebrated by that Order at various locations throughout the United States during that period. 

More than 25 patriotic, military and Veteran's organizations  participate in the ceremony, along with representatives from the Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts Circle T Council.  Each two-person unit carries the American flag and the flag of their unit in a parade down the center aisle to start the ceremony.  Soon the congregation is flanked by the colors.

Seeing hundreds of our flags parading down an aisle in step to authentic military music and then framing the sides of an auditorium is both inspiring and memorable.  Seeing these flags held high by the young men and women who will defend it tomorrow is makes one feel not only confident, but secure.  Hearing the story of how our flag inspired our national anthem at a time of crisis long ago, inspires one to sing the words and the tune with more meaning, appreciation and enthusiasm.  Passing and sharing this enthusiasm with young JROTC cadets and boy and girl scouts, whose pride in their nation and flag is being reinforced, is helping build a better and brighter future. 

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