"Our right to salute our nation's flag is one of the privileges of being an American," say members of the Exchange Club of Norman. "Today, far too few get the opportunity to do this regularly."
Exchange Clubs have been in existence since 1911 and Norman formed a local chapter five years ago. The two main goals of the clubs are Americanism and the prevention of child abuse.
Members are asking everyone to stop what they are doing 9 a.m. Thursday to salute the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance. They will give a desk flag to anyone who does not have one.
"We are promoting Americanism, pride in our country and respect for the flag," said Janet Corley, exchange member. "We want to show appreciation for the freedoms we have as Americans."
"Our executive committee realized there are not as many opportunities as there used to be and we would like for everyone to set aside one day for our community to salute the flag," Corley added.
The club chose Thursday -- Sept. 11 -- because "everyone recognizes the date and the day our nation changed and we wanted to do something positive on that day," she said.
Patty Wadsack, another exchange member, said the salute is a voluntary thing.
"That's part of being an American, too," she said. "We have the option to salute or not to salute."
"We thought 9/11 was a good way to show respect to those people who lost their lives in the terrorist attack, one way people can honor their memories," Wadsack said.
"This celebration is designed to let the people of our community proudly express their love and respect for this great nation," Wadsack said. "By reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in your home or business at the designated time of 9 a.m. Sept. 11, you will be joining many men, women and school children as united American citizens."
To obtain an American flag, call Wadsack at 329-7300.
The Exchange Club also will host the fifth annual Casual for a Cause Sept. 26. The club is selling T-shirts and bracelets to raise money for the Center for Children and Families and Avalon Campgrounds.
Short-sleeved T-shirts are $10, long sleeved T-shirts are $15 and bracelets are $5. Anyone wearing any of the three items on Casual Friday is invited to a free lunch 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First Christian Church, 220 S. Webster Ave. A child abuse prevention program will begin at noon. It should last about 5 minutes.
"This is our main fundraiser," Wadsack said. "We've had the luncheon at the park the last four years and it was lots of fun but we want to try to lose the flies."
The club chose Center for Children and Families this year "because they do so many good things," Wadsack said.
Avalon campgrounds, south of Norman, is in the construction phase and should open the summer of 2009, Wadsack said. There are many camps for children but not one especially for abused children, she said. The children will spend a week at the summer camp.
"If we give these kids love and support, maybe they won't become abuse parents," Wadsack said. "And if they are abused, they need a little break."
Bracelets and T-shirts may be purchased from any Exchange Club member, a form can be downloaded at www.exchangeclubofnorman.org or they may be purchased at the door.
The Exchange Club of Norman meets noon the second and fourth Thursday of every month at Stepbrothers. Guests are always welcome.
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Exchange Club invites Norman to join in flag salute on 9-11
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