Editor:  We received the following letter from one of the Saugeen Times' most avid supporters and, sometimes, 'cub reporter'.  He is also recognized as the local 'flag expert', knowing flags and their histories from around the world.  Today, he reminds us that it is 'National Flag Day' for our American neighbours.

Being from Hamilton I am familiar with the Little Big Horn story and I was pleased and also surprised to see it here (Saugeen Times), but it was well written of course. (Editor see below)

Heritage Colonel. William Winer Cooke

 

I have seen that head stone many times and three generations of our family are buried in that old Hamilton cemetery ... and I am slated to follow that tradition.

Anyhow, two things I should mention . One is ... every year on that date, a small American flag is placed in front of Cook's grave stone ... very simple but very, very nice, and this has been noted  in the Hamilton paper from time to time.

The other thing I have heard is that Cook was the only one to every be mutilated as the natives (Indians) wanted his side-burns or 'mutton chops' as they were called.

I am following Mike's (Sterling) marine stuff too ... I don’t know how you stand the pace. By the way, all my flags are up - even the one on Chantry Island as of  June 10^{th -} they said it could not be done.

Oh yes, Tuesday the 14^th of June is America's National Flag Day - fly the old 'Stars & Stripes'!

Doug Johnson.