Loyalty Day today

On orders from U.S. Congress, May 1 will heretofore be Loyalty Day, designated for citizens to reaffirm their commitment to America. President George W. Bush has requested all government buildings display the American flag and suggests Americans observe the day in schools and other suitable places "with appropriate ceremonies."

In Coquille, residents will celebrate Loyalty Day today as well as Law Enforcement Day. A three-tree planting ceremony will honor veterans, military personnel, law enforcement and firefighters and volunteers at 10 a.m. in Sturdivant Park. Family members of soldiers in Iraq will also be recognized.

"We need to support those who keep our country free," said Fran Capehart, who is organizing the event. "Anyone who doesn't, there's the door."

Coos County Sheriff Andy Jackson is scheduled to read the Law Enforcement Proclamation, and Coquille Fire Chief Dave Waddington will pay tribute to fire departments in America.

Speakers will include Rep. Wayne Krieger, R-Gold Beach, Coos County commissioners John Griffith and Nikki Whitty, and families of U.S. military personnel in Iraq.

For the families, a flowering plum will be planted. For law enforcement, a white dogwood will be planted, and for firefighters, a red dogwood.