The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT), James Bowie chapter, came to Atlanta for three good reasons last Saturday.
First, they would visit Atlanta's library and its Cass County Genealogical Society.
Second, they would tour Atlanta's historical museum with its almost full-size Bessie Coleman model airplane that fills one room and a hallway.
Third, the DRT would stand with hands over hearts beside a smoldering fire while conducting a ceremony for officially retiring a Texas flag.
Some 21 of the 25 DRT members from the James Bowie chapter attended. Several said they were pleased with what they had learned and the opportunity to visit Atlanta. Members present of Children of the Republic of Texas were Cannon and Conner McDaniel, Bexley Logan, Ella Stewart and Jade Parker.
DRT defines itself simply and keenly:
'The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, a lineal organization, shall educate, research, preserve and protect the history of the Republic of Texas for all future generations."
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How to retire a Texas state flag
The protocol for the retirement of a Texas State flag is marked primarily by appropriately dignified procedures. There is a removal and folding of the flag, a separating of the colors and the star. The story of the flag is given and then the flag's rectangles are presented to the flame.
Hand over the heart is also an appropriate gesture.
Cannon McDaniel of New Boston places the properly separated and folded Texas flag into the fire for retirement by burning. Cannon is a member of the Children of the Republic of Texas (CRT). Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Texarkana chapter, stand in the background. (Photo by Neil Abeles)