Beaufort's Gov. Paul Hamilton Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented an SAR Flag Certificate to the Santa Elena History Center on Aug. 25.

The Flag Certificate, authorized by the National Society in 1987, recognizes individuals, companies and government agencies that fly the United States flag for patriotic purposes only.

Additionally, if the flag is flown 24 hours a day, as the center does, they must meet proper flag protocol by being properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.

In addition to the American flag, the center flies flags that flew over South Carolina prior to her independence as a colony and state as well as the first United States flag, often called the "Betsy Ross Flag.”

Chapter Vice President Tom Mikell presented the certificate to Megan Meyer, director of the Santa Elena Foundation. Also present for the presentation were Tom Wilson, secretary of the Gov. Paul Hamilton Chapter, Dr. Andrew J. Beall, chairman of the board of directors, and staff members.

Top photo from left: Dr. Andrew Beall, Megan Meyer,Tom Mikell and Tom Wilson. Photo by Santa Elena History Center.