Patriotism was in full swing at the Northampton Exchange Club's Proudly We Hail program last Wednesday at the Northampton Memorial Community Center.

A uniformed Northampton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714 contingent was present as a borough resident was honored for flying the American flag, day and night, for decades.

Ed Deichmeister was recognized for displaying the flag flown at property he owns on Sipos Lane, off Howertown Road. Illuminated by floodlights, the flag is flown in all weather conditions following a tradition begun by his grandfather, John Sipos, in 1967. The flag serves as a reminder of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters opposing Soviet rule after World War II.

Deichmeister said his grandfather, who was of Hungarian descent, was proud to live in the United States and showed his pride by displaying the flag.

Deichmeister said many flags have been flown over the years at 700 Sipos Drive. They have been taken down only when showing wear and tear and then promptly replaced.

State Rep. Julie Harhart, R-183rd, presented Deichmeister with a citation from the state House of Representatives. Exchange Club President Kim Belletti presented a Proudly We Hail plaque and a new flag.

The club has honored more than 80 people through its Proudly We Hail reception.

Bob Sikonic, Kathie Wagner and Tom Kratzer of VFW Post 4714, Northampton, presented a program on the meaning of the flag. White represents purity and red represents blood shed in battle. Each star represents one of the 50 states.

As Wagner and Kratzer demonstrated the 13 separate folds creating a triangle, Sikonic narrated the meaning of each fold, a practice often seen at military functions and at veterans' or active service member burials.