By Rachael Gleason
The flags over Gen. Sam Houston’s grave always look their best due to the efforts of one Sam Houston State University fraternity.
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity presented its annual “Changing of the Colors” on Monday afternoon to honor the general at his final resting place in Oakwood Cemetery.
“It’s a ceremony Alpha Tau Omega started several years ago,” said Sam Dolan, chaplain and public relations officer for the fraternity. “We saw that the flags were in bad shape.”
Dolan said the fraternity puts on the ceremony with members of the community every year to change out the flags, which are donated by state Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) and U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands).
The Walker County Historical Commission erected the flag poles in 1982.
The ceremony featured speeches from James Patton, chairman of the historical commission and County Clerk; Mac Woodward, Huntsville city councilman; and Dr. Robert Ty Cahsion, professor of History at SHSU.
“There are so many historical grave sites that aren’t kept up,” Cashion said. “If anyone deserves to have their final resting place kept up, it’s Sam Houston.”
For more information, contact the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at SHSU.
