Ceremony honors U.S. flag and Army

On one side of the Capitol grounds, Carson City residents on Saturday expressed their rights protesting the federal government, while on the other side of the grounds at the Veterans Plaza several hundred people honored the evolution of the U.S. flag and the Army’s 250th birthday.

That fact wasn’t lost on Flag Day’s speaker, Brig. Gen. D. Rodger Waters, the state’s adjutant general, who talked about the historical significance of honoring both national institutions.

Waters said the day was an embodiment of what Americans represent and believe.

“People are coming out and expressing their opinions. The freedom to share their voice,” he said. “We can actually hear it. It’s incredible and most of you sitting here either directly or indirectly contributed to their right.”

After introducing dignitaries including retired Major Gen. Drennan A. Clark, a former adjutant general who guided the Nevada Army and Air National Guard from 1986 to 2001, Waters steered his comments to the evolution of the U.S. Army and National Guard. He said the Army is one of the oldest institutions in the country when the Continental Congress established it in 1775, and Gen. George Washington took command.

“The Army is a year older than the Declaration of Independence and 13 years older than the Constitution, and with a rebirth in 1912, the Nevada Army National Guard received federal recognition in 1927,” Waters said.

The National Guard, he said, originated in the colonies as a state militia that shaped and continues to shape the military system with its citizen soldiers.

Steve Ranson/Nevada News Group

The Battle Born Patriots Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, participate in Saturday’s annual Flag Day and U.S. Army birthday celebration behind the Capitol. Roger Linscott, left, color guard commander, gives last-minute instructions.

“Anniversaries such as today help educate and recognize the role these traditions continue to play in the American experience,” he said, noting the Nevada State Library and Archives has opened a new exhibit, “All for our Country.”

The exhibit’s aim is ushering in a yearlong celebration as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. In addition to Waters’ comments, the Nevada Air National Guard NCO (noncommissioned officers) Academy Graduates Association presented a five-flag ceremony that demonstrated the evolution of the nation’s flag. The Nevada Army National Guard’s color guard presented the flag, while the Sons of the American Revolution bridged the colonial to modern times.

“It is also important to note that the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights including the First Amendment, which is so exercised here today, which many are here in Carson City to exercise, would not have been possible without the Army and without your service,” Waters said. “For 250 years, the U.S. Army has answered the call to defend and support our country. Our Army is the best trained and most prepared in the world, making it ready to face any obstacle it may encounter, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, and of course, our nation's adversaries.”

Waters said the Nevada National Guard family is battle born, battle tested and battle ready. He said experts come from many professions such as medical, legal, cyber, the sciences and mechanics.

“We have 1.1 million people serving in the total Army today, including over 3,500 soldiers in Nevada Army National Guard, the Army is currently deployed in almost 150 countries around the world. Your Nevada National Guard right now is in over 20 countries around the world,” he said.

Waters also said June 14 honors the Stars & Stripes, but he also referenced a Johnny Cash song from the Vietnam War era that ended with strong lyrics that are still relevant in 2025. The song, “Ragged Old Flag” was released a year before the last soldiers left Vietnam. The adjutant general said the lyrics describe the flag that’s been through the fire before and can endure more.

“So, we raise her up every morning, we take her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground and we fold her up right,” he said, reciting more lyrics.

Waters said the late Cash, like millions of Americans, still represents the best of humanity although the country may not be perfect. That compares with Francis Scott Key who described the young country as the land of the free and the home of the brave. Scott’s words would eventually be used for the national anthem.

“He could not have imagined the United States would serve as the shining light for freedom and opportunity for so many around the world,” Waters said, while emphasizing the traditions of the United States include helping others. “Yet the remarkable success that has blessed this nation is only possible because Americans have the freedom to dream, the freedom to worship, the freedom to speak their minds, freedom of the press, freedom to peacefully assemble and the freedom to seek redress for grievances. That's unique to the United States.”